Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
A border created in harmony with heritage, flavour and the calm spirit of place.
Set within the rolling Oxfordshire countryside, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a place where beauty, gastronomy and horticulture meet with uncommon grace. Founded by Raymond Blanc OBE, now an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, the estate’s celebrated gardens embody his belief that flavour, sustainability and artistry are inseparable. It is within this landscape of purpose and poise that our David Austin rose border now finds its home.
Encircling the historic Dovecote suite, the new 44-square-metre planting brings together soft drifts of pink and white, with The King’s Rose® (Ausa27a16) repeated gently through the scheme. Created in support of The King’s Foundation, this rose holds particular resonance at Le Manoir, echoing Raymond Blanc’s long-standing relationship with the charity.
A scented hedge of Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ frames the border, creating a gentle sensory experience: fragrant at the front, calming underfoot and alive with pollinators throughout the season.
The Dovecote itself, a luxurious suite converted from a 15th-century structure, forms a striking focal point. Its mellow stone and elevated perch offer a quiet sense of history, while the surrounding roses bring softness, movement and colour to the space. A deliberate opening in the planting, positioned above a concealed manhole, will soon hold a commemorative plaque to mark the collaboration.
The border has been created with care and sensitivity, designed to offer gentle colour, fragrance and a moment of calm within the wider garden. It stands as a quiet celebration of horticulture, craftsmanship and the pleasure of working closely with the landscape.
“It is a privilege to bring our roses into a garden so deeply rooted in craft and care. The planting is simple, soft and full of fragrance, and it feels at home here almost immediately.”
— Liam Beddall, Head Rosarian
