Our holiday in 2015 was to Devon. We stayed in Torquay at the beginning of June, had fine weather and enjoyed visiting these gardens:-
Mapperton in Dorset on our journey to Devon is a romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe. The gardens descend from the croquet lawn, through the formal topiary down to the wild garden. The house, Elizabethan in origin, is a marvellous example of a West Country manor house.
The Garden House is several gardens in one, and its 10 acres glory in a huge and diverse plant collection – nearly 6,000 plant varieties to admire. Outstanding examples of naturalistic planting can be found at the Acer Glade, Wildflower and Bulb meadows and Cottage Garden. The Summer garden with its swathes of richly coloured perennials and Jubilee Arboretum with its lake, bridges and tumbling water provides yet more to enjoy.
Buckland Abbey was established as a Cistercian monastery in 1278 and later became home to Sir Frances Drake. The Abbey is now part museum, part house filled with treasures such as the legendary Drake’s Drum. The magnificent Great Barn has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago. The Elizabethan, Herb and Cider house gardens have much variety with sweeping views down the Tavy valley.
RHS Rosemoor is a true plantsman's garden in a valley bottom with inspirational planting. Highly ornamental gardens with shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs plus an Edible Forest Garden. The surrounding woodlands are being carefully managed to reintroduce native trees and wild flowers to encourage wildlife.
Coleton Fishacre A 1920s Arts and Crafts country retreat of the D'Oyly Carte family with a luxuriant RHS accredited garden. Viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
East Lambrook Manor in Somerset on our way back to Lewes. One of the best-loved privately owned gardens in England created by the late Margery Fish, celebrated plantswoman and gardening writer. Her natural gift for combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal manner has created a garden of immense beauty and charm. The Grade 1 listed garden is renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style
Mapperton in Dorset on our journey to Devon is a romantic valley garden deep in a lost Dorset combe. The gardens descend from the croquet lawn, through the formal topiary down to the wild garden. The house, Elizabethan in origin, is a marvellous example of a West Country manor house.
The Garden House is several gardens in one, and its 10 acres glory in a huge and diverse plant collection – nearly 6,000 plant varieties to admire. Outstanding examples of naturalistic planting can be found at the Acer Glade, Wildflower and Bulb meadows and Cottage Garden. The Summer garden with its swathes of richly coloured perennials and Jubilee Arboretum with its lake, bridges and tumbling water provides yet more to enjoy.
Buckland Abbey was established as a Cistercian monastery in 1278 and later became home to Sir Frances Drake. The Abbey is now part museum, part house filled with treasures such as the legendary Drake’s Drum. The magnificent Great Barn has remained virtually unchanged since it was built all those centuries ago. The Elizabethan, Herb and Cider house gardens have much variety with sweeping views down the Tavy valley.
RHS Rosemoor is a true plantsman's garden in a valley bottom with inspirational planting. Highly ornamental gardens with shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs plus an Edible Forest Garden. The surrounding woodlands are being carefully managed to reintroduce native trees and wild flowers to encourage wildlife.
Coleton Fishacre A 1920s Arts and Crafts country retreat of the D'Oyly Carte family with a luxuriant RHS accredited garden. Viewpoints give enticing glimpses out to sea, paths weave through glades past tranquil ponds, and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand thrive in the moist and sheltered valley.
East Lambrook Manor in Somerset on our way back to Lewes. One of the best-loved privately owned gardens in England created by the late Margery Fish, celebrated plantswoman and gardening writer. Her natural gift for combining old-fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal manner has created a garden of immense beauty and charm. The Grade 1 listed garden is renowned as the premier example of the English cottage garden style
NB click on the garden names to take you to their web-site