DEVON
Bluebell Days – Suns. 18th & 25th April, 11am – 5pm. Teas &
refreshments.
Seasonal opening: gardens & grounds 1st April – 3rd Oct.
daily except Sats. 12 – 5pm.
House & grounds: 1st April – 24th May, Weds/Thurs/ Suns &
Bank Hols.
25th May – 3rd Oct. Sundays to Thursdays inclusive.
Admission: various charges, check with Abbey.
Telephone: 01237 441264
Heathercombe
If you want a bracing walk while visiting a garden, one of the
best places in Devon is surely Heathercombe, 1000 feet up on
Dartmoor. This tranquil wooded valley has a garden of more
than 30 acres to explore.
The various opening dates for the NGS shows that there is
plenty to see through the seasons as the first open day will
be on 28th March, the last on 4th July, and outside the open
days visitors are also welcome to visit by appointment.
Heathercombe 1000 feet up on Dartmoor and a garden of more than 30
Woodland walks at this time of year will take you past
acres to explore
streams, ponds and a lake, with snowdrops and then
daffodils, followed by bluebells. In the parkland areas there
Uploders Place
is the glory of the rhododendrons – over 100 varieties – and
This is quite a new garden, created from 1993 in what was
400 specimen trees.
a wilderness. The old yews, Cedar of Lebanon and a tulip
The garden is being developed by the charitable trust that
tree formed the bones on which to build a garden that is
runs Heathercombe, the Claude and Margaret Pike Woodlands
particularly lovely in spring and early summer, with spring
Trust. There are two medieval longhouse gardens with a variety
bulbs, camellias and rhododendrons,
of herbaceous beds and borders, and a wild flower meadow in
Trees and shrubs were chosen for their unusual barks
an orchard growing orchard trees of the West Country.
and flowers. There is a quiet corner with the River Asker
Accommodation is also provided for walkers, making it a
flowing through it, just the place for a time of reflection
perfect place for a peaceful break. On open days for the NGS
and contemplation. Owned by Mrs. Venetia Ross Skinner,
home made teas are available.
the garden was opened for the NGS for the first time last
year. Wheelchair access is not easy, with some steep paths
Location: Heathercombe, Manaton, TQ13 9XE. 7 miles NW
to negotiate, and the owner asks that if a wheelchair user
of Bovey Tracey. From Bovey Tracey take the road to Becky
wishes to visit the garden, a phone call is made beforehand.
Falls and Manaton, and continue on the same road for two
miles beyond the village towards Heatree Cross. Follow the
Location: Uploders Place, Uploders, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4PF.
signs to Heathercombe. From Widecombe take the road past
£ miles E of Bridport. From the A35 to Bridport or Dorchester
Natsworthy.
take the turning for Uploders on the S side of the main road,
going right and right again under the A35. At the Crown Inn
Open: 28th March; 2nd/16th/23/29 & 30th May; 20th June;
public house on the right there are two bends and a private
4th July. 1.30pm – 5.30pm.
parking notice.
Visitors also welcome by appointment.
Open: Sat. 20th March; Sat. 22nd May. 2pm – 5pm. Visitors
Admission: £3.50, children free. Refreshments & home
also welcome by appointment in May/June/July.
made teas.
Admission: £3.50, children free. Home made teas. There are
Telephone: 01647 221350
some steep paths.
Website:
www.heathercombe.com
Telephone: 01308 485653
Country Gardener
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