The Art of Training Roses

A Masterclass with Jennifer "Niff" Barnes at Ashby Manor House

Join us at Ashby Manor House for a special day in the garden with Jennifer "Niff" Barnes, one of Britain's most respected rose experts and our Head Gardener.

We have recently been privileged to establish Jenny's National Collection of Rambling Roses throughout the gardens and grounds of Ashby Manor House. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from Jenny amongst the collection she is curating, discovering how to train, shape and care for roses to create spectacular displays of flowers year after year.

Jenny is renowned for her distinctive approach to training climbing and rambling roses, a technique affectionately known as "Niffing". By carefully weaving, tying and shaping stems, she creates beautiful winter structures while encouraging an abundance of blooms throughout the growing season. Her methods can transform even the most unruly rose into a stunning garden feature.

The day will begin with refreshments and an introductory talk from Jenny, sharing her approach to selecting, training and managing roses for both beauty and vigour. We will then head into the gardens where Jenny will demonstrate her techniques on a range of rambling, climbing and shrub roses, explaining how to prune, shape and tie in plants to achieve the best results.

Throughout the workshop there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain practical advice, whether you are caring for a single rose or planning a larger planting scheme. Jenny will also share her recommendations for varieties, planting positions, seasonal care and how to incorporate roses into gardens of every style.

Guests will also enjoy the opportunity to explore Ashby Manor House's recently restored walled garden, a major ongoing restoration project that is once again becoming a productive and beautiful space within the estate. Together with the National Collection of Rambling Roses, it offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of the gardens and Jenny's vision for their future.

A delicious organic home-cooked lunch will be served in the house, with tea, coffee and refreshments available throughout the day.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply passionate about roses, this promises to be an inspiring and informative day in the beautiful surroundings of Ashby Manor House.

Workshop Details

Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Includes:
• Morning tea, coffee and refreshments
• Illustrated talk by Jennifer Barnes
• Practical demonstrations in the gardens
• Guided tour of the National Collection of Rambling Roses
• Visit to the restored walled garden
• Organic home-cooked lunch
• Afternoon refreshments

Places are limited to ensure a relaxed and engaging experience.

£200

To book a place please email guest@ashbymanorhouse.com with your date preference for payment details 

We look forward to welcoming you to Ashby Manor House.