Visits 2018
We have selected eight gardens in Somerset and Devon
Details about the gardens are listed below which we hope will whet your appetite.
Most of the gardens we will be visiting will have a selection of plants on sale at attractive prices.
To simplify things for this year we will be charging a fixed £7.00 per seat, per trip on the community bus. Any entrance fees to gardens will be on top of this. We hope this makes for an easier arrangement. We regret that the fixed charge is different to that previously advised but we understand that Somerset Council have now removed their subsidies on the community bus.
If you would like to book a seat for any of the trips please speak or email Jenny Boyce in the first instance.
Telephone : 01398 323463
email. boycejenny3@gmail.com
Click on the pictures for more information about the gardens
Tuesday 6th March 2018 Wood Barton, Kentisbeare
An established 2-acre arboretum with species trees on a south-facing slope. Magnolias, azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, acers, several ponds and water features. New planting of woodland trees and bluebells opposite the house. Sculptures and profiles in bronze resin.
Thursday 5th April 2018 Chevithorne Barton, Tiverton
In spring this lovely garden three miles from Tiverton and owned by the Heathcote-Amory family features a large collection of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. There’s a terraced walled garden, herbaceous borders and romantic woodland of rare trees and shrubs.
Friday 4th May 2018 Higher Burnhaies, Butterleigh
A 2.5 acre site started in 1997. Situated in the beautiful Burn Valley, Higher Burnhaies is a plantsman’s garden with a huge range of herbaceous perennials mixed with trees, shrubs and grasses, ponds and an annual meadow. The planting and ‘control’ is very relaxed with many plants allowed to self-seed and wander, creating interesting and changing combinations with the overall tapestry of texture and colour, the whole supporting an enormous amount of bird and insect life.
Wednesday 6th June 2018 Lewis Cottage, Crediton
At the
bottom of a winding Devon farm track lies Lewis Cottage. Surrounded by four
acres of wild, informal but beautiful gardens and woods, Lewis Cottage is a
hidden wonderful combination of relaxed planting schemes and formal borders
with woodland areas dedicated to attracting wildlife. Its winding walkways,
woods and interesting selection of unusual trees and plants have been inspired
by the gardening styles of both Beth Chatto and Gertrude Jekyll. Built in the
16th century by French Huguenots the garden has featured both in
Devon Life and on West Country TV.
Tuesday 3rd July 2018 ??? Mystery Trip ???
Friday 3rd August 2018 The Gate House, Ilfracombe
Described
by many visitors as a peaceful paradise, this streamside garden includes a
collection of over 100 rodgersia, interesting herbaceous areas, patio gardens
with semi-hardy exotics, many unusual mature trees and shrubs and a large
organic vegetable garden.
Tuesday 4th September 2018 Kilver Court, Shepton Mallet
Hidden in
the heart of Somerset are Kilver Court gardens, carefully maintained all year
round for the public to enjoy. The 3.5 acre gardens are set against a 19th
century railway viaduct, providing an impressive architectural backdrop to the
already stunning gardens. Highlights of the gardens include: a reproduction of
George Whitelegg’s Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winning rockery, parterre, an
organic vegetable garden, herbaceous borders and a mill pond. (There is also
the added attraction of several designer outlets on the site for those wishing
to purchase something ‘extra’ along with their plants!)
Wednesday 3rd October 201 Summers Place, Whitestone
Rambling rustic paths and steps lead down a shaded woodland garden; unusual trees and shrubs to an ornamental orchard (berries, fruit, hip and autumn colour) with follies, sculpture, a stream and ponds. Conservation is as important here as horticulture, with wild flowers.
