Beyond the knots we planted two simple rectangular beds, each planted with Rosa ‘Mundi’ and ‘The Fairy’ roses, edged in catmint and interplanted with forget-me-nots.

The four outer beds are edged in Hidcote lavender and planted with roses: one of R. x alba and species roses; one of R. centifolia and Moss roses; one of R. gallica, Damask and Bourbons; and one of ‘China’, R. rugosa and Hybrid Perpetual roses. Among the roses are planted spring bulbs, white foxgloves, blue and white Campanula persicifolia, Alchemilla mollis, purple violas and several species of geranium. This dense planting in a restricted colour range is very effective.

The inner beds are edged in hyssop and planted with a romantic profusion of small shrubs and herbaceous plants spanning the season, from early hellebores to late fuchsias and hibiscus. In the centre, and the focal point for the whole garden, is a brick pattern of a circle within a square within a circle, closely planted with golden thyme, through which narcissi and Madonna lilies grow at different seasons. From the central circle, a stone figure of Flora holding a garland of roses tranquilly surveys the scene. All these beds are edged in brick and enclosed by yew hedging.