We were commissioned to design and build a rose garden for a recently renovated grand house in Gnevkow, located in northern Germany's scenic lake district, about two hours north of Berlin. The twelve-bedroom house is a retreat for large groups seeking tranquility. The English owner, inspired by Sissinghurst, envisioned an English-style rose garden. Despite working with a limited budget, we created an expansive garden, using climbing roses to form a swag-bound enclosure. The garden bursts with color, not only from the roses but also from hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and a variety of perennial plants. However, the open boundary presents a challenge, as deer are a persistent issue.
The rose garden was designed to seamlessly integrate with the future extension of the house. The glamping area and guesthouse, create an idyllic destination for weddings and other gatherings, nestled in a permaculture paradise.
Gnevkow grounds and manor house set in the lake district of northern Germany. The green shape indicates the location of the rose garden.
The finished garden looks bare at first because the roses are planted during dormancy and are very small. There is a climbing rose at almost every post and the aim is to train them along the swags. Rose bushes are planted in threes in the open area. Rhododendrons are planted at the rear to provide a backdrop to the roses from the house. Hydrangeas also provide colour at a different time of year to the rhododendrons.
Building the garden, topiarised yew trees and other design details.
Moving stones around the site to create the ceremony area which opens up to the view across the fields.