Here are details of our visits that we have made so far.
On Saturday 20th April 2024 we travelled to Hemyock, but not to “Pounds” as planned because its open day had been cancelled. Instead I took the group to Regency House, Hemyock. This impressive house has an extensive garden with a lake, ponds, a walled garden and views over the wider estate. The owner provides a detailed plant list for those who want to do more than just admire the garden and its surrounding countryside. After a dreadfully wet Spring we were very grateful to have a warm sunny day with blue skies. We ended our visit sitting outside looking out over lawns and the countryside beyond and enjoying tea and cakes.
On Sunday 3rd March 2024 we were lucky to have one of the few fine sunny days for weeks to see the display of crocuses at East Worlington House and in the adjoining churchyard. Tea and cake in the thatched parish hall rounded off a pleasant afternoon among friends.
On Wednesday 7th February 2024 we revisited RHS Rosemoor and this time took part in the informative “Celebration of Snowdrops” guided tour. Whilst walking around we noticed the contrast between cornus and snowdrops and cornus and hellebores was very effective and the heavy scent of daphnes lingered in the air in the Winter Garden.
On Wednesday 9th August we made our last Garden Visit of 2023 and went to a favourite venue: RHS Rosemoor at Great Torrington. We were lucky to have a fine day and all members of the group managed to view much of the varied planting in this fantastic garden. This time we had lunch at “the other side” in the Wisteria Tea Room, which is in part of the former home of Lady Anne who gifted Rosemoor to the RHS in 1988. The attached photos give a flavour of what we were lucky enough to see that day. No matter which month you visit Rosemoor there are always spectacular views, interesting specimens and arrangements of plants to give inspiration.
On Saturday 1st July 2023 we went to a very interesting garden at Backswood Farm near Butterleigh south of Tiverton. It is a relatively new garden and every part of it has been designed with wildlife in mind so caters for bats, owls, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs and other species. Somehow the owners have managed to do this whilst maintaining a layout of planting that gardeners too can enjoy. The borrowed landscape is an added bonus. A visit to the tearoom at the Canal Basin, Tiverton rounded off the trip.
On Saturday 10th June 2023 we went to a delightful garden, Mill House near Hemyock. The groupings of colour and form are so effective in the cottage garden at the front of the house that it comes as no surprise that the owner is an artist. As well as going into Vanessa’s studio we also saw the remains of the old mill, the mill leat and the site of what was once Whitehall Station. The whole area is now beautifully planted and in this now tranquil garden there are plenty of seating areas from which to admire the garden – and enjoy tea and cakes.
On Sunday 14th May 2023 we set off for Woolsery and from there to Hole Farm, a magnificent large garden that opens just twice a year under the National Garden Scheme but could easily open daily as a local attraction if the owners were so minded. The 3 acres offer established ponds and water features, herbaceous borders, a large fruit and vegetable garden and on this occasion a bluebell walk down to another pond and the river. Highly recommended.
On Wednesday 26th April 2023 we were blessed with a fine day for our trip to Hartland Abbey. After coffee most of us walked down to the sea through the bluebells, which were at their peak and lovely to see. After lunch we explored the rest of the garden, including the walled garden where spring blossom and tulips were the main features at this time of year. A good day out, and good timing as the following day was so wet!
On Wednesday 22nd March 2023 I was indebted to Liz for leading the visit to Castle Hill Gardens. The group split up into smaller groups depending on how much climbing people wanted to do. Everyone met together at the tearoom afterwards and group members said they enjoyed the visit, even though a lot of the daffodils were still in bud because of recent inclement weather.
On Saturday 18th February 2023 we visited Higher Cherubeer garden, Dolton, near Winkleigh. We were last there in 2017 and since then more than 100 extra different varieties have been planted, making over 400 in total. The weather for the day of our visit could have been better but that did not detract from the show of flowering snowdrops which was exceptional. There were also many hellebores and cyclamen to admire as well as Cornus and Witch Hazel shrubs; these contrasted with the white of the snowdrops and showed them off to even better effect.
On Saturday 10th September 2022 we visited Silver Street Farm near Uffculme – our last garden visit of the year. The garden did not disappoint – huge borders with towering grasses and herbaceous perennials (rudbeckias, verbena, etc.). The vibrant colours associated with this time of year were a delight.
The journey was also memorable. An accident had caused the M5 between Tiverton and Wellington to be closed, which resulted in traffic jams on the A361 and the A38. We skirted around on country roads which was interesting in its own way (and took us considerably less time than the two hours experienced by those who had got stuck in traffic!).
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who have volunteered to be drivers for the visits – without you other group members would have to miss the trips.
On Thursday 18th August 2022 we visited RHS Rosemoor. Our arrival coincided with coffee time after which we split into two groups, one of those wanting to explore more of the garden and one of those whose mobility constrained them to walking a little less far but who still saw a sizeable area of the garden. We came together again at lunchtime before continuing our visit. Both groups remarked that, as with our own gardens, the recent extreme heat had impacted some plants more than others. Nevertheless, it was a much enjoyed day out and as leader I was pleased to receive grateful thanks for organising the trip.
On Thursday 14th July 2022 ten of us enjoyed a very pleasant visit to Marwood Hill Garden north of Barnstaple. The astilbes by the lake were particularly stunning, as were the blue hydrangeas further up the garden. The weather was kind to us, sunny but plenty of shade in the garden.
On Saturday 18th June 2022 the weather forecast did not look good, so well done to those who turned up to brave the showers (and hills!) of Parracombe, where 6 gardens opened under the National Garden Scheme. The gardens varied from a large estate to a small vegetable garden but all were of a very high standard. At one garden (which had attractive planting and a bonsai collection) we were treated to a display of exquisite woodcraft in their garden shed. The newly-opened village shop/tearoom at Parracombe was another bonus.
On Sunday 29th May 2022 the weather prospects did not look very good. However, the 6 of us who went to “Shutelake” NGS garden near Butterleigh escaped all but a few drops of rain and enjoyed a lovely garden in a natural setting. The walk along the river, the natural pond, the terraces of perennials, the sculptures dotted here and there and the delicious tea and cakes were our reward.
On Saturday 9th April 2022 we set off on our first garden visit since 2019. It was a lovely day to drive up over Exmoor to Brendon. We first visited Hall Farm where the garden was so tranquil because of its setting in the surrounding countryside and because of its large lake.
A steep drive up on to moorland took us to Tippacott Farm where the garden was perched high above the river below and so it too was memorable for its setting. The weather was sunny and mild, after what had seemed like a long Winter, and we were able to sit outside to enjoy tea and homemade cake and each other’s company.
On Thursday 12th December 2019 a small group of us set off for RHS Rosemoor in spite of the weather forecast for rain and strong winds .We were delighted to be able to enjoy the Illuminated Garden and the Winter Sculpture Exhibition and were back in South Molton before the bad weather set in. How lucky was that?!
On Thursday 24th of October 2019 we joined a Blakes coach trip to Endsleigh Garden Centre and Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge. The garden centre is where we had lunch and we purchased a number of Christmas presents and plants there too. The coach driver then had the unenviable task of driving us along a narrow lane to Lukesland Gardens. Once there we were warmly welcomed by Rosemary Howell (the owner) and her daughter-in-law Lorna, who then gave us an extensive guided tour of the gardens and afterwards delicious tea and cakes. The garden has a large number of trees and shrubs, some native and many exotic. We appreciated the autumn tints of many species including oaks, beech trees and maples. What’s more the sun came out – a rare sight this October!
Thursday 5th September 2019: Holbrook Garden, Sampford Shrubs, Sampford Peverell EX16 7EN
We previously visited this garden in the Spring of 2018 and it was good to see its Autumn colours this time.The heleniums, rudbeckias, asters, crocosmias, etc.provided colour at every turn in a garden packed with plants.The written guide was again helpful. Some of us bought plants here and later on again at The Old Well Garden Centre where we enjoyed tea and cakes.
Sunday August 4th 2019: Chevithorne Barton, Chevithorne, Tiverton EX16 7QB.
At Chevithorne Barton we found an extensive garden which includes a National Collection of Oaks, several rare trees and colourful herbaceous borders. It is well worth a visit.
Wednesday 24th July 2019: Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8LQ www.hestercombe.com
It was a lovely July day for our visit to Hestercombe. Some of us explored the Landscape Garden whereas others stayed within the more formal area close to the house. Each did as much as they wanted to and luckily in a garden you can always find some shade. The gardens and extended views into the countryside are not to be missed, although the gardens were suffering a little because of lack of rain and the rill and ponds at one side of the garden were dry. We stayed about four hours and enjoyed lunch there – and several cold drinks and ice-creams to keep us cool.
Wednesday 19th June 2019:Tapeley Park Gardens, Instow.
The day started overcast but by the end of our visit the sun was shining. We saw the herbaceous border designed by Carol Klein, the three terraces of the Italian garden, the permaculture garden and the organic walled vegetable and fruit garden. Much of what we saw was at its best and yet there will be even more colour over the coming months. We ended our visit at the tearoom where we had a delicious lunch.
Saturday 11th. May 2019: Greencombe Garden, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8NU.
We couldn’t have had a better day to drive over Exmoor to “Greencombe” and enjoy the beautiful garden, well known for its erythroniums, rhododendrons, azaleas (and Champion Holly Tree). The garden was created by Joan Loraine who was a pioneer of organic gardening and who died in 2016. We were given a warm welcome by her nephew who has taken over the reins. Several of us later enjoyed a delicious cream tea at Mrs. Jackson’s Victorian Tea Room in Porlock to round off a very enjoyable afternoon.
On Sunday 7th April 2019 we visited a garden in the local area. Tucked away north of the Link Road is East Knowstone Manor, a medieval manor house with an enchanting garden which is thoughtfully planted and yet has the atmosphere of a wild and natural space extending into the surrounding landscape. The predominant plants at this time of year are the scented narcissi and the flowering ornamental fruit trees but the garden is also home to a National Collection of shasta daisies and buddlejas which flower later in the year. The owner gave freely of her time to demonstrate dowsing and also to tell us of her experiences of ghosts at the manor!
On Saturday 23rd March 2019 a number of us travelled down to Killerton House. Strong winds on Saturday 16th March meant that this visit had been postponed until the following Saturday. We enjoyed a day of dry, calm weather and the gardens showcased the best of Spring. The magnolias in particular were a joy to see and there were carpets of daffodils and other gems such as cyclamen, violets and wood anemones. Lunch was well provided for, some enjoying the cafes and others the restaurant. It was a good day out and an opportunity to welcome and get to know some new members of U3A.
Friday December 14th 2018 we visited the garden at Knightshayes to see the trees and exterior walls of the house swathed in colour and transformed into an illuminated magical wonderland for the festive season. Before returning home we enjoyed warm drinks, festive fare and each other’s company for our last trip of the year.
On Friday 9th. November 2018 a number of us travelled down to RHS Rosemoor to listen to a talk by Adam Frost, award-winning garden designer and Gardeners’ World presenter. Adam entertained his audience so well that we would have gladly listened to him for at least another hour. He engaged us in the story of how a lad from London became a seven times Gold Medal Winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. Part of that journey involved moving to Devon with his family when he was fifteen and his subsequent apprenticeship with the North Devon Parks Department. There were plenty of amusing anecdotes but he was also disarmingly honest and frank about some of the problems in his family life .We were all so glad that we had decided to attend this event as Adam is such an engaging speaker.
On Saturday 8th September 2018 we went to Fursdon House at Cadbury between Bickleigh and Crediton.
Unfortunately we had to leave 2 people at SMCP because of a shortage of cars; however, 9 of us made our way to Fursdon House and were rewarded with a very enjoyable day out. The gardens were still very colourful even in September. Some areas were planted with pleasant pastel shades (Michaelmas daisies, verbena, Japanese anemones, nepeta, etc.) whilst others were vibrant with rudbeckia, dahlias and potted petunias. Most of us then sampled the delicious home-made cakes in the tea-room and then we moved on to a tour of the house, which was very interesting particularly as it has been in the same family for 23 generations.
On Sunday 19th August 2018 a small group of us made our way to Chulmleigh and viewed the majority of the 20 gardens open to the public. They were very varied both in size and interest. Many had fruit and veg. areas and in particular a lot of tomatoes were being grown. We took advantage of the tea and cakes on offer at the town-hall and bought quite a few good quality and reasonably priced plants. All proceeds are going to the North Devon Hospice.
On Wednesday 15th August 2018 we joined with the holiday group for a day trip to Agatha Christie’s Devon holiday home, ‘Greenway’, between Brixham and Dartmouth in South Devon.
The weather was relatively good for our trip and everyone enjoyed the day out, particularly the ferry trip from Dartmouth and the house itself.
On Wednesday 25th July 2018 we did the Dunster Castle Garden Trail with Jo Griffin’s Amblers.
A good day out was had by all. Two of us even went to the Dunster Country Fair. The rest of us did as much or as little as we liked in terms of exploring the grounds, the Castle itself and the village.
On Sunday 17th June 2018 a small group of us visited The Croft at Yarnscombe and appreciated this jewel of a garden hidden away down country lanes to the south of Umberleigh. We walked around it before tea and cakes and again afterwards as there is so much planted in so many tucked away areas that it is easy to miss some plants the first time.
On Sunday 20th May 2018 we visited Foamlea Garden, Chapel Hill, Mortehoe EX34 7DZ which was open under the National Garden Scheme. We were so lucky to have a sunny day for our visit to Mortehoe. The cliffside garden had many interesting plants so was well worth a visit and the sea views from the garden were spectacular.
On Sunday 15th April 2018 our visit was to Holbrook Garden, a National Garden Scheme property at Sampford Shrubs near Sampford Peverell EX16 7EN. A small group of us braved the rain and were rewarded with an abundance of snakeshead fritillaries, naturalised daffodils and hellebores in a wild setting interspersed with cultivated trees and shrubs in bloom such as camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.
On 25th March 2018 we went to a National Garden Scheme property in Combe Martin.
Linden Rise is part of the National Garden Scheme and is in Chapel Lane, Combe Martin, EX34 0HJ.
There were plenty of early spring colour and a great variety of daffodils with countryside and sea views.