HEREFORD'S most historic public garden is about to be restored after years of neglect.

The newly formed Friends of Blackfriars Rose Gardens on Widemarsh Street have already made a start weeding, dead heading and pruning surviving roses.

The 20 strong team of volunteers has a long term plan to plant dozens of new rose trees in beds of new quality top soil.

The backdrop to the garden is the ruin of Blackfriars Monastery which was built in 1276 and consecrated by King Edward III only to be axed by King Henry VIII in his purge of the Catholic church in I500s.

In the 17th century Sir Thomas Coningsby of Hampton Court, Dinmore used some of the stone to build almshouses on the site still flourishing today.

The garden was created in 1964 and 100 rose trees were donated by the Hereford & West of England Rose Society to mark its centenary. The Kansas City Rose Society in America also played a big part, contributing to the rose fund.

Ironically, it is an American, Anne Harbour, who is leading the restoration project.

She was working as a book publisher in London when in 1978 she visited Hereford; the rose garden was the last stop on her sightseeing itinerary.

She recalled it as “a peaceful, beautiful corner of Hereford.” She would later return to the city and made it her home. Now, her mission is to return the garden to its former glory.

A climbing clematis on a high boundary fence had grown out of control smothering many rose trees. Balfour Beatty responded quickly to a plea for help and sent two men to cut it back.

Digging into the county archives Anne and other researchers from The Arts Society Hereford have identified some of the varieties planted in the original rosebeds, together with names of some of the donors and those in whose memory many were given.

More volunteers for the rescue operation are needed as well as donations to the new rose fund.

To become a Friend a cheque for £10 (payable to Hereford in Bloom) should be sent to Mrs JE Ferguson 12 St Owen Gate, Hereford HR1 2QA.

For information about the work party dates call 01432 370711.