Mystery & Romance of Spain for RHS Hampton garden

‘The Pazo’s Secret Garden’ is a romantic design leading visitors on an imaginary journey through the vineyards, ancient camellia avenues and topiary mazes of Galicia’s Pazo gardens, towards a more intimate setting, a secret space, sheltered by the walls of the palace.

By steps up to the mysterious door to the Pazo, visitors will find a water lily-filled pool and a tranquil place to sit at a stone table. A welcome glass of Galician Albariño wine is waiting and a silk scarf, adorned with a camellia flower design, giving a nod to the richly-coloured blossoms you would find here in early spring.

Rose explains that the garden preserves the formality and ornament of the Pazo garden but nature too has claimed it, adding a certain untamed, overgrown wilderness: “Vines, pompoms of colour in the form of hydrangeas, exotic arum lilies, and a selection of wild waterside plants soften the design of the garden, which also subtly refers to the larger expansive, working landscape in this beautiful corner of Spain, making the Pazo gardens so unique and fascinating,” she says.

Known as ‘the land of camellias’, Galicia is a renowned destination for lovers of the outdoors and garden enthusiasts. Camellias have become such an integral part of the region that visitors to Galicia can follow a dedicated ‘Camellia Route’; a journey that passes from northern to southern Galicia through 12 manor houses (or Pazos) and gardens where the camellia reigns in all its glory.

Javier Piñanes, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK, says: “Covered in lush greenery, with some of Spain’s most idyllic, natural beaches; home to a number of buzzing, charming and characterful cities; one of the top (though lesser known) wine producing regions in Spain, famous for the delicious Albariño white wine; and offering up arguably the best seafood in the country, Galicia is a must-visit destination.

“Rose’s design has successfully captured the mystery, romanticism and intimacy of Galicia’s Pazos, their surrounds, and of Galicia as a whole, using both plant-based and architectural references. We hope visitors to the show will be inspired by her perceptive interpretation of the magic of Galicia’s Palaces and her encapsulation of the region’s appeal more widely.”

For information on Galicia or other regions of Spain visit: http://www.turismo.gal or http://www.spain.info