Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden

Strawberry Field has opened the Sir George and Lady Judy Rose Garden in honour of the late Beatles producer and his wife, who was a patron of Strawberry Field. 

The rose garden is the first of its kind celebrating to the legendary producer. At its heart, a striking wall features a biography of his career engraved in Portland stone alongside 30 discs commemorating the No.1 UK hit singles produced by Sir George Martin during his celebrated career.

Designed as a place of peace and reflection, the 95 square metre accessible garden includes a calming water feature, and a circular raised rose bed with welcoming seating areas, offering visitors a beautiful and contemplative space within the historic Strawberry Field grounds.

Sir George Martin 

Sir George Martin was The Beatles’ long-time producer and collaborator, yet his influence on music extended far beyond the Fab Four. He worked with artists such as Céline Dion and Shirley Bassey and even produced the UK’s bestselling single of all time, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind. He was responsible for the explosion of Merseybeat, recording Gerry and the Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer, the Dakotas, the Foremost and Cilla Black. 

George Martin worked with The Beatles from their first recording sessions in 1962 until their breakup in 1970. John Lennon once said, “George Martin made us what we were in the studio. He helped us develop a language to talk to other musicians.” He was the producer, arranger and occasionally keyboardist for The Beatles albums, adding strings and orchestral scores and pioneering techniques that defined unique sounds such as in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Strawberry Fields Forever. 

Lady Judy Martin

Lady Judy Martin was a devoted supporter and patron of Strawberry Field, and an admirer of the work of The Salvation Army. It was her idea to plant a rose garden at Strawberry Field, and she contributed to creating the garden in memory of her late husband before her passing. She and George met in 1950 when he went for an interview at EMI Studios (now Abbey Road), where she worked as a secretary. Sharing his love of music, Judy and George married in 1966 and had two children, Giles and Lucie.

Lady Judy had a lifelong commitment to supporting young people and was actively involved in many charities, from the NSPCC to The Young Person’s Concert Foundation and The Montserrat Foundation. She was a passionate gardener and long-standing member of The Worshipful Company of Gardeners and an active participant in the National Gardens Scheme. 

Cliff Cooper

The rose garden was generously donated by Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps. It joins the Sgt Pepper inspired bandstand that Cliff also donated in 2023.  Cliff Cooper says, "As a patron of Strawberry Field, I'm honoured to support this tribute to Sir George and Lady Martin. Their impact on music and their dedication to charitable causes align in harmony with the spirit of Strawberry Field.”

The Gates

The ornate gates have been hand painted by renowned artist James Wilkinson, who's work also features on the Sgt Pepper inspired bandstand. Wilkinson also created the artists impression of the rose garden.

The Roses

The roses in the Rose Garden have been carefully chosen to create as rich a sensory experience as possible. Selected for their vibrant colour, abundant blooms and strength of fragrance, they combine with the sound of the waterfall to ensure the garden can be enjoyed by all visitors, including those with limited sight. Sourced from David Austin Roses, they were chosen in her favourite colours, pink and red. 

The Penelope Lively roses were a generous gift from Lady Judy Martin before her passing in 2023. Climbing the arbour are the red Rambling Rosie and the pink Super Fairy Rambling Rose, while the central bed features the red Rosa Thomas à Becket and Queen of Sweden. Rosa Bonica was planted in the Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden during its official opening by their children Giles Martin and Lucie Kitchener.

Also planted are a Maple Acer tree and a McCartney rose, named in honour of Sir Paul McCartney's 50th birthday. The rose has kindly been donated to Strawberry Field by friend and supporter Jean Catharell.

Steps at Strawberry Field

Donations made at the Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden, and every pound spent on site, helps fund our Steps at Strawberry Field programmes. Steps at Strawberry Field help young adults facing barriers to employment, including those who are neurodivergent or with learning differences, to access meaningful, paid work and build better futures. You can make a donation here.

The Project Team

We would like to thank everyone who has worked to create the Sir George and Lady Judy Rose Garden, including:

Mick Dines - Rose Garden Concept and Design
Ernest Cooper - Cooper Associates, Principal Architects
Steve Emery - Urban Landscapes Design Ltd, Project Manager
Ibstock PLC
James Wilkinson - Pop Nouveau Gallery
P & A Memorials Ltd
Oriel Studios Digital Ltd

Thanks also to Nonconform and Influential.