THE Chiswell Green rose gardens, due to re-open in June after a £500,000 makeover, will surpass its former glory, the owners have promised.

The Royal National Rose Society unveiled the new layout of the Gardens of the Rose last week, appealing for local people and businesses to help restore its position as one of St Albans’ most important tourist attractions.

Chief executive Richard Adams told the launch party at the Maltings Arts Theatre: “The gardens have been totally rebuilt.

“The society has assembled and planted one of the most comprehensive collections of roses in this country, if not the world.”

The gardens were closed three years ago after an ill-fated venture with an American businesswoman who promised massive investment.

The society had lost much of its funds planning a spectacular feature commemorating Princess Diana but the cash injection never materialised. Starved of funds, the gardens fell into poor condition and its glowing reputation dwindled.

But by selling neighbouring land for the ambitious Butterfly World project and enlisting an army of volunteers, the society has been able to realise its ambition of a complete redesign.

Mr Adams said: “There are more than 7,000 new rose bushes and more will be planted by June. There will be about 2,500 different varieties, with promises of more to come. The gardens will make a valuable contribution to life in the area.”

The new design includes beds illustrating the history of rose cultivation, a pergola entwined with colourful blooms and three ponds including one specially managed for dragonflies.

The gardens are watered by an on-site bore hole and include other plants and shrubs to provide interest outside the rose-flowering season. Rose enthusiasts from all over the world have been sending new varieties to Chiswell Green for the society’s experts to evaluate.

Mr Adams said the society had other improvements planned but needed cash to make these reality and ensure the gardens, which will open to the public on June 9, were well-maintained.

Head gardener Neal Oakham said: “I am really looking forward to the opening. What it needs now is people.”

Local people and businesses willing to help maintain the gardens, or support it financially by sponsoring a flower bed, should contact the society on 01727 850461 or at mail@rnrs.org. uk

source : www.stalbansobserver.co.uk By Alex Lewis