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Rose Garden improvements
The Residents Association has launched a major project to renovate the Rose Garden (at the top of Princes Gardens) as a beautiful, welcoming and biodiverse space.
The Rose Garden is at the top of Princes Gardens. It is owned by the Estate houses and managed by the Residents Association. The residents did a huge amount of work in the 1970s to clear it and planted the rose beds that have given so much pleasure ever since. But the roses are reaching the end of their lives, and the lawn is very uneven and floods in winter. As the Estate centenary approaches, it's time to rethink the area and get it ready for the next 100 years.
A working group was set up after the 2024 Annual General Meeting to start thinking about priorities, and shared its initial proposals at the recent 2025 AGM. Now we are moving into a consultation and detailed design phase before tackling the tricky problem of funding... and then carrying out the work.
There’s a lot to be considered. For instance, we’d like continuity with the Estate’s first 100 years by including the cherry trees and roses that have been here since the start. But we must also be mindful of climate change as any new trees will have to cope with changing weather if they’re to survive the next 100 years. Will we need shady areas to protect from hot sun, or plants that can survive much wetter winters? And how about new plant pests and diseases?
We want to keep the surrounding hedge, as it helps to create a safe place for small children to play. But how to balance making the area welcoming for all, against discouraging antisocial behaviour and protecting the security of surrounding houses? Should dogs be allowed? What about the competing demands of community gardening and events, and a more natural garden that would be designed to encourage wildlife? For the time being, we would ask Estate residents to be considerate when using the Rose Garden and to respect the current rules which do not allow ball games, picnics or dogs.
We’re planning lots of consultation events, including visits to the houses overlooking the garden and an online questionnaire. So do get involved and let us know what you think. This page will be updated regularly as the project moves forward. But in the meantime, here are some links to click through to: