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Our work in the garden at Mottisfont
The team at Mottisfont work very hard to ensure the garden is always looking its best, from delicately pruning hundreds of varieties of roses in the world-class rose garden, to distributing huge quantities of mulch to restore soil quality to the soil, nourish the worms and aid moisture retention.
Looking after Mottisfont’s roses
Mottisfont’s gardeners take great pride in looking after the world-class rose garden. The dedicated team lavish care and attention on the National Collection of pre-1900 shrub roses.
The gardeners don't tend to deadhead these varieties, which is a surprise to some visitors. Most historic roses flower only once a year, and afterwards produce ornamental fruit or ‘hips' which, as well as brightening the garden in autumn, provide local birds with an important source of winter food.
The team remove the spent blooms of repeat flowering roses by cutting the stem back to a healthy new bud, which will encourage them to keep flowering. It’s during the winter that the gardeners tackle the annual rose pruning; an intense period of work that helps to prepare for spectacular displays in early summer.
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The garden at Mottisfont
Enjoy every season at Mottisfont, with its ancient trees and babbling brooks, from rich autumn foliage and the scented Winter Garden to snowdrops, the first harbingers of spring and, of course, the world-famous Rose Garden.
The Rose Garden at Mottisfont
The National Collection of Pre-1900 Shrub Roses reaches its peak flowering season in early summer for a spectacular annual display.
Our work on the estate at Mottisfont
Our work managing Mottisfont’s river and woodlands aims to create a wildlife-rich habitat, find out more about how we care for the estate.
Our work in the south-west Hampshire countryside
We’re doing lots of work to look after the countryside sites of Stockbridge Down, Stockbridge Marsh and Curbridge Nature Reserve in order to provide key habitats for rare species.
Volunteering at Mottisfont
Find out how you could join us - whether you're looking to make new friends, develop skills or simply want to be part of something you're passionate about.
Family-friendly Mottisfont
Mottisfont offers a fantastic family day out, with something for everyone. As well as the wild play area, scenic river and meadow, there are specially-designed activities for pre-schoolers, and exciting family events every school holiday. Enjoy perfect picnic spots, delicious treats from our cafés, ethically-sourced games, toys and books in our gift shop, and convenient baby-changing facilities - all in a beautiful, welcoming environment.
Our cause
We believe that nature, beauty and history are for everyone. That’s why we’re supporting wildlife, protecting historic sites and more. Find out about our work.
How to make your own compost
Follow these simple steps to make your own nutrient-packed compost at home. Learn about the qualities of good compost and find out top tips, including how to turn your heap and build your compost beds.
