If you don’t think you need another book about roses, you’ll be forgiven. But trust us: you don’t want to miss the very beautiful book roses in the NGOC Min NGO garden. A serious project, NGO books have been photographing rose-centric gardens from around the world for several years. “I wanted to include different cultures, different climates, and the different ways in which roses are featured in these gardens,” she explains. The NGO also wrote texts covered in history, drawing illustrations of roses that adorn each chapter’s covers and beginnings (impressed us!).
The book began in a very personal way when NGOs began taking pictures of roses after their father, Rose’s lover, passed away. “It was a way to keep his memories alive, but there is also this whole world of roses that he didn’t know,” she says. “I was more and more interested in roses, but it all started as a way to show him. Ultimately, the NGO decided to focus the book on the various ways roses are used in the garden, highlighting its versatility as a plant. Throughout the text, she is woven into the rich history and art and literature of garden roses.
The garden itself is luxurious and has an atmosphere in a rich and vibrant way. Each is documented from the dream-like perspective of an NGO. “Every way I photograph my garden is very intuitive,” she says. “Just respond to what’s there and the special moment.” The NGO’s unique perspective (and love for seed roses and single flower roses) can be found on the book’s pages.
Below, the NGO shares photos from the chapters of British garden designer, writer and rose enthusiast Tania Compton and her botanist husband James’ Wiltshire home. “Spielsbury Farm is everything I wanted to cover in the book because Tania is really passionate about roses. She uses them in every part of her garden. From formal beds near her home, to pastures, orchards, and along the roads, erosion is everywhere.
Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo.
