Rosarium in l’Hay-les-Roses – testimony of the contemporary standing of rose gardens from the late 19th and early 20th century

Abstract

Since the Middle Ages, the name rose gardens has been used in reference to gardens where roses were grown. However, they began to thrive at the turn of the 19th century when rose growing developed significantly, and as a result many new rose varieties were created. These began to be widely introduced into gardens. Usually they were found in public gardens and parks. Roses were exhibited due to the variety of their forms and the habit of the shrubs as well as the colour and scent of the flowers. The first rosariums were established in France and Germany. One of the most important examples of horticultural art is the oldest rosarium Roseraie du Val-de-Marne in l’Hay-les-Roses near Paris. It was designed by Edouard Andre and commissioned by Jules Gravereaux, who was a great lover of roses. It was a breakthrough moment in the history of gardens, because a garden dedicated chiefly to roses was established.