At the heart of the Formal Garden at RHS Rosemoor in Devon are two strikingly contrasting spaces: the Hot Garden and the Cool Garden. Together, they demonstrate how colour, texture and design can create completely different moods within a landscape.
The Hot Garden is a vibrant celebration of warmth and energy. Designed around a fiery palette of reds, oranges, yellows and deep purples, it is filled with bold, dramatic planting that reaches its peak during the summer months. Waves of herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses create movement and intensity, while the carefully selected colour combinations evoke the heat and excitement of a Mediterranean summer. The garden’s elevated design and strong architectural structure enhance its visual impact, making it one of Rosemoor’s most memorable features.
In contrast, the neighbouring Cool Garden offers a tranquil and reflective experience. Opened in 2019 and designed by Jo Thompson, it centres on the calming presence of water. Shallow pools and flowing rills are surrounded by planting in soft blues, whites, pale pinks and gentle yellows, complemented by silvery-grey foliage. Trees, grasses and repeated planting schemes create harmony and balance, while the sound and movement of water contribute to an atmosphere of peace and relaxation.
RHS Rosemoor, Torrington EX38 8PH
