The Royal National Rose Society (RNRS) Gardens in St Albans opened to the public last month (HI/1/, 14 June) having benefited from a total redevelopment of the site following a land sale that saw the gardens shrink from a parkland settingtojust 5ha. Rather than detract from the collection's appeal, the downsize has given the society, designers and contractors a blank canvas with which to create a worldwide collection of roses that acts as a "living dictionary" for the genus. The pound 500,000 development was designed for the RNRS by Michael Balston and built by Adam Frost Landscapes. If the society had had to pay for planting that figure would have doubled. However, commercial growers and breeder donated some 8,000 plants covering 1,700 rose varieties, and turf was donated by Rolawn. Climbing frames and the central pergola were designed and donated by Classic Garden Elements. The generosity from the industry is something the society will be "eternally grateful" for, according to chief executive Richard Adams.
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