We asked Harry Hoblyn, Head Gardener at Charleston, to share his insights into the remarkable garden that surrounds this historic home. Deeply intertwined with the artistic legacy of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, the gardens at Charleston are a living expression of their creativity.

A garden is more than just a collection of plants – it’s a living, breathing space that reflects your personality and creativity. One of the most powerful ways to shape your garden’s atmosphere is through colour.

A garden border is where the heart of your garden comes alive – where colour, fragrance, and nature come together in perfect harmony. If you're looking to fill yours with beauty and fragrance, English roses are the perfect choice. With their timeless charm and repeat-flowering nature, they’ll transform your garden into a space you can cherish all year round.

In the quiet garden of history, roses have always been the unsung narrators of love and symbols of passion, loss, devotion, and yearning. In the first part of our Love Letter to Roses series, we explored the deep roots of these timeless flowers, their symbolic role in the language of love. Now, we turn to the roses themselves, each a character in its own right, bearing the essence of some of the most unforgettable love stories ever told.

For centuries, roses have been nature’s quiet confidants in the art of love, their petals carrying whispers of affection, longing, and devotion. These remarkable blooms have transcended cultures and eras, weaving their way into poetry, mythology, and cherished traditions. As we reflect on their history, we uncover a story as layered and evocative as the flowers themselves - a tale of beauty, meaning, and connection that has stood the test of time.

With its exquisite deep pink, many-petalled rosette blooms and delightful, fruity fragrance, Gabriel Oak is a captivating English Shrub Rose that infuses any garden with timeless elegance. The vibrant, deep pink flowers contrast beautifully with their lush green foliage, creating a striking visual display that commands attention. Gabriel Oak stands at 4 feet (125 cm) tall, making it a versatile addition to formal garden settings and more natural landscapes.

Planting White English Roses: A Simple, Elegant Choice for Any Garden Style