RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR.

Set deep in the lovely North Devon countryside, RHS Garden Rosemoor has now come of age as a garden of national importance. Lady Anne Berry gifted Rosemoor to the RHS 11 years ago, since when the original eight acres have been greatly developed. To the huge range of plants collected by Lady Anne, the RHS has added features such as the Formal Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, herb and cottage gardens, a potager, the Foliage and Plantsman's Garden and extensive stream and lakeside plantings. Recent additions include the Mediterranean and semi-tropical plantings which have been thriving during the recent long hot summers and the newly planted Winter Garden. But what is perhaps the most popular feature of this delightful garden is the extensive rose garden, proving beyond doubt the lie that the West Country cannot produce beautiful roses.

In its picturesque wooded valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor is glorious in early autumn, with plenty of seasonal colour and interest. It is during this time that Rosemoor's now well known festival takes place. Opening on the 7th of September, the 2003 programme of events and activities is one of the most comprehensive, combining horticulture, food, music, arts and crafts. The Festival opens with the Artists' Garden exhibition, displaying paintings inspired by nature and the flora and fauna of the countryside. "A Taste of the West" on the 15th September will offer visitors scrumptious local produce, bringing together the very best of West Country food and drink.