Though it hasn’t felt much like June lately, the mild spring has worked its magic, helping the summer blooms in Preston Park’s rose garden to flourish beautifully. This historic garden in Brighton is now alive with a stunning array of colours, captured magnificently by Argus Camera Club snapper Peter Dupont.
Originally designed by Captain Bertie MacLaren, the superintendent of Brighton’s parks in 1920, the rose garden was created to draw people into the park. MacLaren’s vision was to offer a floral escape within the city, and his design has continued to enchant visitors for over a century.
In 2001, the rose garden underwent a significant restoration and re-planning, funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. This project saw the planting of 4,000 old-fashioned shrub roses, selected for their vibrant colours and delightful scents. Additionally, the life-size French statues representing two of the four seasons were meticulously renovated, adding to the garden’s charm.
While many of Captain MacLaren’s designs were formal and geometric, he also crafted the informal, picturesque landscape of the Preston Rockery, showcasing his versatility as a landscape architect.
Preston Park holds the distinction of being Brighton and Hove’s first and largest public park. Besides the rose garden, it boasts wildflower gardens, a restored walled garden, and an array of fine trees. The park is a regular winner of the Green Flag award, a testament to its quality and the dedication of the Friends of Preston Park group. A spokesman for the group highlighted that the park remains lush throughout the summer, thanks to an underground water source known as the Wellesbourne.
In addition to its beautiful plants, Preston Park offers a large children’s playground with a sandpit and extensive sports facilities, including a petanque court, eight tennis courts, and football and cricket pitches.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a stroll through Preston Park’s rose garden is a must-do. The vibrant blooms and historic charm make it a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of Brighton’s green spaces.
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Image credit: Peter Dupont
