The autumn colours are really reaching a crescendo this month, so here’s a selection of gardens where you’ll find atmospheric landscapes and interesting late plantings.
Time Off LOCAL GARDEN VISITS - DEVON Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, Devon
Well-known for their wonderful spring colour, Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, are also delightful in the autumn. The shelterbelt of beeches, planted by the Victorians to protect this 24-acre garden from Dartmoor winds, turns a glorious gold, while more exotic species such as acers, cornus and gingko reflect their fiery reds and oranges in the pools of the Addicombe Brook. The Howell family, who run Lukesland, serve up seasonal soups and cakes in the tea room, by a roaring log fire. Children can enjoy a fun nature trail around the grounds, exploring the many secret paths and bridges in this very natural woodland valley. Dogs are also welcome on a lead.
Location: Lukesland, Harford, Ivybridge PL21 0JF. Mrs R Howell, and Mrs and Mrs J Howell. Tel. 01752 691749.
www.lukesland.co.uk Autumn opening: Sundays and Wednesdays, 16th
October – 13th November, 11am – 4pm. Admission: £4.50, children free. Teas. Partial wheelchair access. Bickham Gardens
A new joint opening for the NGS this year, although Bickham House is well known to garden visitors. The adjacent gardens of Bickham House and Bickham Cottage are in a private valley under the Haldon Hills and provide a contrast. Seven acres surround Bickham House, with much recent replanting by owners John and Julia Tremlett: colour co-ordinated borders, mature trees, a croquet lawn, fern garden and water garden, a one-acre productive walled garden with vegetables and flowers, and an alpine house with a fine display of 100 plants. Bickham Cottage is a small cottage garden owned by Steve Eyre, and is divided into areas by old stone walls and hedge banks, a stream garden, a pond with large koi carp, lawn, flower borders, and a front garden with South African bulbs and plants. Nerines take centre stage now, over 400 varieties, both cool greenhouse growers and hardy ones outdoors which flower in the autumn. Nerines were first introduced into Europe from South Africa in the 17th century; many cultivars have been bred from these original introductions in colours from white through to purple.
Location: Bickham Gardens, Kenn, near Exeter EX6 7XL. Tel. 01392 832671 (Bickham House) and 01392 833964 (Bickham Cottage). Last opening for the NGS: Sunday 9th
October, 2pm -5pm. Admission: £4, children free. Teas, plants for sale. Wheelchair access. Both gardens also open by appointment. Chapel Farm House
A new Japanese garden with a stone lantern is one of the highlights of a visit to this garden of about half an acre begun nearly 20 years ago by owners Robin and Tushie Hull. They have landscaped the garden with borders, heathers, and spring flowering shrubs, an alpine bed and a kitchen garden. The small bonsai collection complements the Japanese garden, and in complete contrast is the mixed woodland – three acres of young woodland to wander in, to admire the wildlife.
Location: Chapel Farm House, Halwill Junction, Beaworthy EX21 5UF. Tel. 01409 221594. Last opening this season for the NGS: Saturday
October, 11am – 5pm. Admission: £3.50, children free. Plants for sale. Visitors also welcome by appointment all year. Wheelchair access – gravel paths and large lawns.
8th Country Gardener 35
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