CATHERINE MACK

For anyone who walks regularly in the rose gardens in Warrior Square Gardens, they can’t help but smile at the fact that there are a few hardy blooms that refuse to drop their petals, retaining their vibrancy in these dark winter months.

Photos: Marie Richardson
Mary and Jill, two volunteeers at the rose gardens

This is, for the most part, thanks to the tender weekly care offered by the local community group of volunteer gardeners who keep the Victorian rose garden alive. Since setting up their Friends of Warrior Square Gardens community group in 2022, they have been on a mission to bring the roses back to their former glory. It’s not all their dedication, however. There are, of course, just some blooms that refuse to let go, and they’re often the ones that bring us the most pleasure. 

The Friends of Warrior Square Gardens are also a tenacious group, and one of their visions has been to fully restore at least one of the beds to its original triumph of colour and vitality. On Tuesday 21 January, with the recent support of the country’s leading breeder and grower of English roses, this vision was fulfilled. Richard Stubbs, from David Austin Roses, broke the soil in two beds to start planting 60 rose plants, 30 of which they have kindly donated.

Jill discusses how to plant the roses with Richard Stubbs from David Austin

This is part of a partnership that David Austin Roses has undertaken with other rose gardens of historic significance around the country. As part of that partnership, they donate beauties like Morning Mist, Scarborough Fair, Ballerina and Desdemona, all roses connected with English cultural heritage. They also visit once a year for a consultation and offer all-year-round support and advice, ensuring the longevity and health of the roses, something essential during the winter months.

It will be interesting to see this time next year, if it’s the newly donated, and aptly named Ancient Mariner rose that will still be blooming in the heart of winter, given its proximity to the town’s maritime influences.

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For more details on joining or volunteering with Friends of Warrior Square, join their Facebook Group, follow them on Instagram or turn up on Sundays, between 8am and midday, ready to smell the roses.


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Com-warrior-sq-garden-Credit-Marie-Richardson-Mary-and-Jill-two-volunteers-at-the-rose-garden-get-ready-to-mark-out-the-new-beds-1024x768.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Com-warrior-sq-garden-Credit-Marie-Richardson-Mary-and-Jill-two-volunteers-at-the-rose-garden-get-ready-to-mark-out-the-new-beds-150x150.jpgHIPCommunityCATHERINE MACK,Friends of Warrior Square Gardens,Warrior Square GardensCATHERINE MACK For anyone who walks regularly in the rose gardens in Warrior Square Gardens, they can’t help but smile at the fact that there are a few hardy blooms that refuse to drop their petals, retaining their vibrancy in these dark winter months. Photos: Marie RichardsonMary and Jill, two volunteeers...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper