Reimagine the Rose Garden: Beyond Formal Rows

Long, formal rows of perfectly spaced bushes aren't the only way to incorporate roses. Planted among other perennials or evergreens, or bunched together in no particular pattern, roses look perfect even in yards lacking a dedicated "rose garden." Mixing roses into your landscape, in one color or a few, is simple with these ideas.

The look of a country cottage is undeniably charming. English gardens often use roses in groupings far less organized and staid than traditional rose gardens.

A less formal—less labor-intensive—approach: mix roses with favorite perennials. A mixture ensures blooms all year long.

Organized boxwoods of a parterre garden create an elegant look. A smattering of flowers often accompanies them. Formal and beautiful, these Heather Lenkin roses are ideal.

The long-stemmed Heather Lenkin rose, developed by Tom Carruth for his wife, features 30+ petals for a large head and comes in various shades.

This formal parterre garden with six rose varieties perfectly complements the Italian revival architecture of the home.

The softness of a climbing rose entwines on a pergola as part of the landscape.

A variety of materials can border a rose garden: brick, tile, slate, gravel, or a tailored row of evergreen bushes—each adds a different dimension.

The circular design of this rose garden offers a refreshing spin on traditional rectangular and square shapes. Sitting among towering Italian cypress, lower-height roses add visual interest and depth.

More:
Roses: Crowning Touch of Gardens