hiya bucks Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Missenden August 2014 | Page 2

Pack up a Picnic and head to Cliveden’s newly opened Rose Garden This summer the National Trust at Cliveden has revealed a newly restored beautiful Rose Garden. In 1959 Viscount Astor commissioned Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe (one of the 20th century’s greatest garden designers) to design a Rose Garden to provide his family with a place to enjoy, away from their busy, public lives. Inspired by abstract painter Paul Klee, Jellicoe sketched the layout which included archways and sculptures from the Astor family collection. The new Rose Garden is set to become a major attraction in the gardens which have been enjoying a colourful renaissance in recent years under the leadership of Head Gardener Andrew Mudge. Known in recent years as the Secret Garden the intimate circular area has been redesigned to retain the tranquil atmosphere of a hidden garden whilst displaying over 900 repeat flowering roses. The roses were planted in Autumn 2013 following over a year of research and design. Andrew tells us “we worked closely with David Austin Roses to source 44 different varieties that will create swathes of colour moving from yellow through to orange and red, just as designer Jellicoe proposed”. A selection of the roses featured in the garden are for sale in the shop so you can create your own Rose Garden at home. The roses are surrounded by beautiful spongy hard wearing grass and this is where families are invited to enjoy the surroundings. There are no Keep Off the Grass signs to be found anywhere in the gardens and children are encouraged to kick off their shoes and run around enjoying themselves. There is a rose-themed trail to help families explore and enjoy the garden. Head Gardener Andrew Mudge Family Fun Picnics can be enjoyed in specific picnic areas around the grounds. Check out the Storybook Play Den where life-size models of favourite storybook characters can be found, go climbing in the woodland Play Trail, build a big den, have a go on the rope swing or walk the tightrope. With the giant slide, the maze and Wild Wednesdays for children aged 4 – 11 there is plenty to keep everyone entertained on a summer’s day. Cliveden is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. For further information on National Trust news and events at Cliveden visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden or call 01628 605069. Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire SL6 0JA. 2 To advertise in Hiya Bucks text or call 07947 349134