For details see below

Transcription

1 Garden Visits. Convener: Rosemary Stewart Tel: nd Wednesday GARDEN VISITS 2017 Wed April 12 th Marwood Hill Gardens Wed May 10 th The Old Vicarage, West Anstey, South Molton. Wed June 14 th Beachborough Country House, Kentisbury Wed Jul 12 th Shapcott Barton, Knowstone.. Wed Aug 9 th Hestercombe, Taunton. Wed Sept 13 th South Wood Farm, Honiton For details see below

2 Marwood Hill Gardens This magical and very special 20 acre private garden with three lakes is set in a valley tucked away in North only 4 miles from Barnstaple. Created by Dr Jimmy Smart VMH in the late 1950's the gardens are a wonderful haven in which to relax and enjoy the impressive collections of plants, shrubs and trees and experience the views and peaceful atmosphere. The garden has featured on many garden programmes over the years and is enjoyed by visitors of all ages looking for inspiration, relaxation or just a great day out with the family. The view across the valley from the Garden Tea Room is spectacular, the food served is delicious, and the Plant Sales area is sure to tempt you with the variety of unusual plants for sale. Dogs on leads are welcome too. Entrance 6. Well, Marwood has been a veritable hive of activity since we closed last Autumn. Visitors coming this Spring and Summer will notice several dramatic changes! The top lake, which for many years has gradually filled with silt, has now been dredged - yes, a job and a half, the silt carried away in massive trucks to spread on one lucky farmer s fields. The dam, which leaked, has also been repaired and we re quite sure that Dr Smart would be very pleased. We will not add fish to the lake, as we intend to let nature take its course and, hopefully, summer will see it busy with Dragon and Damselflies. In time, waterlilies be planted and branches positioned along the banks to encourage our resident kingfishers to perch and scan the fresh water, with their beady little eyes, for tiny fish. Plants surrounding the lake were removed and put in safe places prior to the upheaval and, as the soil settles, will be re-planted-though allowing scope for a few gentle changes. Snuggling deep within its enfolding valleys, it has not always been that easy to create views, but, by the judicious removal of trees no longer pulling their weight (or, supposedly dwarf conifers that somehow had reached 40'!) we have now created some wonderful places where the eye can now appreciate the scale and beauty of Marwood. A garden might mean many things to many people but surely the very word suggests tranquillity and beauty - something that Marwood abounds with. Borders, last planted over 20 years ago, have now been redesigned, introducing new plants to the palette and paths, worn over the years by millions of little (and not so little!) feet have been re-turfed. The bank adjacent to the tearoom has now been planted with a variety of plants that will revel on this very sunny, protected slope. To give interest whilst these little monkeys grow apricot fox-tail lilies (eremurus), vibrant tulips and lilac alliums have been planted.

3 The Old Vicarage West Anstey South Molton EX36 3PE Croquet lawn leads to multi-level garden overlooking 3 large ponds with winding paths, climbing roses and overviews. Brook with waterfall flows through garden past fascinating summerhouse built by owner. Benched deck overhangs first pond. Features rhododendrons, azaleas and primulas in spring and large collection of Japanese iris in July and wonderful hydrangeas in August. New wall fountain mounted on handsome, traditional dry-wall above house. Access by path through kitchen-garden. A number of smaller standing stones echoing local tradition. Our May 10 th visit is to The Old Vicarage, at West Anstey, EX36 3PE (Some miles on from S.Molton) This multi-level garden with fountain, brook & waterfall overlooking 3 large ponds is opening specially for us with a talk by the owner on the speciality Spring azaleas. primulas & rhododendrons with climbing roses hopefully just appearing. Tea & cake is included in the 5 entrance fee. Suggested passenger contribution to drivers is 7 with lifts arranged either between members or through Rosemary. Those who would like to have lunch or a snack before the visit are invited to gather at 1215 at The Northgate Inn, South Molton, EX36 3RG on the A361 (Link Road) at the roundabout, at the junction with the A399 (Ilfracombe-Blackmoor Gate Road). You will need to allow around half an hour to get to the garden. All are asked to meet at the entrance to the Old Vicarage at Maps, directions & full info available. Please contact Rosemary asap if you would like to join us.

4 Beachborough Country House Kentisbury Barnstaple EX31 4NT Kentisbury is situated high in the North countryside a few miles inland from the dramatic coastline and bordering Exmoor National Park.. Beachborough Country House is a garden created from an artist s perspective and home to hundreds of roses. Interest incl herbaceous borders, lawns, stream, pond and large ornamental kitchen garden June 14 th opening just for us, 5 including tea and cake.

5 Shapcott Barton Knowstone Estate (East Knowstone Manor) East Knowstone South Molton EX36 4EE Large, ever developing garden of 200 acre estate around ancient historic manor house. Wildlife garden. Restored old fish ponds, stream and woodland rich in bird life. Unusual fruit orchard. Scented historic narcissi bulbs in Apr. Flowering burst July/Aug of National Plant Collections Leucanthemum superbum (shasta daisies) and buddleja davidii. Many butterfly plants incl over 40 varieties of phlox. Kitchen garden and standard orchard. Fernery, over 100 cultivars of native and foreign hardy ferns. Ghost talks. Dowsing lessons. How to find us 13m NW of Tiverton. J25 M5 take Tiverton exit. 6½m to r'about take exit South Molton 10m on A361. Turn R signed Knowstone. Leave A361 travel ¼m to Roachhill through hamlet turn L at Wiston Cross, entrance on L ¼m. Admission 4.00, children free. Light refreshments. Suggested date 12 th July

6 Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton Hestercombe Gardens are unique as they span three centuries of garden design. Set within 50 acres, the Victorian Shrubbery, the Georgian Landscape Garden and the Edwardian Formal Gardens all offer a different experience as you explore Hestercombe. Famous for our unique collection of gardens our Formal Garden is hailed as one of the finest examples of the world-renowned partnership between garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. Hestercombe House and Gardens has undergone acclaimed restoration works and continues to develop and grow giving our visitors a stunning setting to explore, learn and relax. Admission or 8.20 for pre-booked groups. Suggested date of visit Wednesday August 9th

7 South Wood Farm Cotleigh Honiton EX14 9HU Large country garden surrounding listed C17 farmhouse set deep in the Blackdown Hills. Incl walled courtyard planted with late summer herbaceous and yew topiary, kitchen garden of raised beds with step over pears, fruit cages and trained fruit trees, sunken dry stream bed walk and reflecting pond, formal plum orchard, nuttery and traditional cobbled yard with lean to glasshouse. Suggested date September 13 th By special arrangement for groups of 15+, guided tours of garden. Admission 5.00, children free. Home-made teas. Disability information: Gravel pathways, cobbles and steps. How to find us 3m NE of Honiton. From Honiton head N on A30, take 1st R past Otter Dairy layby. Follow for 1m. Go straight over Xrds and take first L. Entrance after 1m on R.