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Fri: For
anyone who wants to attend the Chelsea Flower show in London,
tickets are available for 43 UK pounds for a full day or 24 pounds
for a half day. Accommodation in London can be reserved for
Friday night
May 22.
Sat: Train from London to Newton Abbott (not
included in the cost of the package). At 4 pm we enjoy a
Devon afternoon tea
and meet our expert garden tour leader who
will stay with us for the week.
Sun: We start at Castle Drogo, perched high above the Teign Gorge with
dramatic views over Dartmoor, we see the classic architecture of Edwin Lutyens extending out into the garden;
stepped terraces, hedges and arbours are softened by Gertrude
Jekyll-inspired richly-planted borders.
In the afternoon we go to Coleton Fishacre This 24 acre
garden developed by Rupert and Lady Dorothy D’Oyly Carte in the
1920’s lies in a stream fed valley above the beautiful South Devon
coast. In the early summer wild flowers abound amid the colourful
display of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas planted among the
collection of tender and exotic plants which thrive in the
subtropical climate and sheltered locations.
Mon: We start with a visit to the historical garden at
Killerton where the famous 18th century nurseryman John
Veitch began his gardening career, now a fine collection of
rhododendrons, magnolias, herbaceous borders and rare trees. Killerton
is a plantsman’s paradise, with rare trees and shrubs from around
the world, collected by the Veitch family’s plant hunters.
Specially adapted buggies (with drivers)
give less able visitors access to the sloped gardens. Walks through
the adjoining parkland give sweeping views across the Clyst and Culm
Valleys. Killerton House, home to the Acland family for many years
is furnished as a comfortable family home, it also houses the
National Trust’s finest costume collection.
In the afternoon we
visit Buckland Monachorum,
8 acres of brilliant luxurious colour where old meets new, from a
16th century tower to 21st century naturalistic and stunning South
African meadow planting. The
new Elizabethan Garden at Buckland Abbey reflects the Tudor period .
Evidence from prints made by
brothers Sam and Nathaniel Buck in the 1730’s, as well as other
historical sources, were used to come up with a suitable garden
design which includes features such as circular pond, granite steps
and topiary bushes. Before landscaping work could commence an
archaeological survey had to be carried out. This uncovered the
remains of a circular Victorian garden as well as an old medieval
wall and a post hole suggesting an even earlier wooden structure.
Planting with a Tudor theme has been carried out using plants such
as heart’s ease , feverfew, primrose, foxglove and hyssop mixed in
with old varieties of vegetables such as peas and beans.
Tues:
Knightshayes is one of the finest gardens in Devon, with formal
terraces and summer flowering borders, drifts of spring bulbs a
topiary fox and hounds cut in the "garden in the wood" of
rare trees and shrubs. Originally designed by the celebrated
landscaper Edward Kemp, the 50 acre garden owes
much to Sir John and Joyce, Lady Amory, who devoted themselves to
its development. There is also a self-guided woodland walk giving
lovely views of the surrounding area. The striking Victorian Gothic
house is a rich combination of medieval romanticism and lavish
decoration.
Wed: Today is a rest day but for those who want
more sightseeing there is an optional tour
to visit Agatha Christie's estate at Greenway. The gardens have been
donated to the trust by the owners,
the family of crime writer Agatha Christie. Overlooking the
River Dart at Galmpton, the gardens - complete with restaurant - are
a haven for locals and visitors alike.
Thurs: The lovely coastal garden at
Overbecks has stunning views of the Salcombe Estuary
and is set just above the coastal path. The garden is very sheltered
and is home to a wide range of sub tropical plants including many
palm trees. Lovely herbaceous borders full of colour, sub tropical
border and other interesting shrubs and plants.
Tucked away in the beautiful North Devon countryside is
Winsford Walled Garden. In the past, there were 30 gardeners and
500 linear feet of greenhouses. Today, features abound in this
inspirational garden for the summer, with Agapanthus, Cannas,
ornamental gingers, herbs and large numbers of herbaceous
perennials. The 300' south wall grows subtropical climbers.
Fri: The
Mythic Garden is a 5 acre garden presenting an annual sculpture
exhibition amid National Collections of Birch
and Alder in a landscaped water & woodland setting. The
garden is situated in the Dartmoor National Park.
Set amongst rolling Devon Countryside the Hillhouse small
garden surrounds a charming one time
vicarage made famous by Edward Hyams 'an Englishmans Garden'.
The garden has been restored by the Hubbard family and has many
unusual plants and a lovely atmosphere.
Sat: Depart after breakfast. Trains
from Newton Abbot to London take about 3 hours.
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