Gardens
The Gazebo garden is pure French Riviera with its views of the sea through the spikes of yucca, whilst the Rock Dell is a world of succulent aeonium, phormium and astelia in shades of purple and bronze
Overbeck’s world of plants
WITH a climate more like Tresco than anything else on the British mainland, Overbecks is home to an astonishing plant collection. From the very first moment the house was built, the suc- cessive owners have revelled in planting the rare and exotic, and with the National Trust in charge this has continued. All the usual Mediterranean plants are here – tall Chusan palms throughout, with cistus
and lavenders, ceanothus and rosemary, salvias and agapan- thus.
But along with this are plants not so eye catching, yet more unique – pseudopanax and schefflera, that are more often grown in conservatories, and the vast leaves of tetra- panx and the banana musa basjoo.
A gravelled bank is home to the South African restios and succulent agaves, and at the
very top of the garden an olive grove looks out over the sea. What makes Overbecks so special? The proximity of the sea and the shelter of the sur- rounding native woodland have given it the climate, and the steeply sloping site and rocky soil drains the water fast from tender plants. But it is the eclectic and experimental nature of the design and planting that is so important; using special plants in ways that try to mimic natural ecosystems. Walking through the garden is like taking a trip around the world.
The Gardens at Overbecks
The tour begins in the for- mal Statue Garden, with its rectangular herbaceous bor- ders, a little like the great English gardens of the 1930’s, but with cestrum and ever- green agapanthus guarded by the highly poisonous Nerium oleander. By walking up past an avenue of palms, the Gazebo garden is pure French Riviera with its views of the sea through the spikes of yucca, whilst the Rock Dell is a world of succulent aeonium, phormium and astelia in shades of purple and bronze. The Banana garden has a South American atmosphere; the large leaves of the bananas are under planted with differ- ent fuchsias and a wide collec- tion of ginger lilies. The Palm Bank has echoes of South African fynbos, more so as the newly planted proteas and leucodendrons make their presence felt. Australasia is represented by grevillea and callistemon planted each side of the long path to the wood-
land, and the woodland itself has more than a hint of Japan, as cut leaved acers crowd around a mossy rock outcrop. In the undergrowth, the net- work of old paths has been re- opened, so that visitors can now walk under the huge magnolias that grow here. Any walk around the gar- den should really finish by returning once more to its very highest point – for those fit enough to reach the top, the views over the olive grove along the coast, and up the estuary towards Kingsbridge, are truly stunning. It is also the best place to view one of Overbecks treasures – a cin- namomum camphora, or cam- phor tree, from Japan – a lus- cious frost tender evergreen that has been flourishing in this spot for close on 100 years.
When you have explored the garden and museum why not enjoy a freshly prepared sandwich in their tea room – a varied choice of locally sourced fillings, plus various soups, salads, cakes and ice- cream. Book a luxury picnic hamper that can be taken out to explore the coastline or just relax by a warming fire. Pop into the shop and take home some local preserves, sou- venirs or even a statuette of ‘The First Flight’ unique to Overbeck’s.
Find Fred the friendly ghost. Children’s trails avail- able all year. Various family and traditional events throughout the year – phone 01548 842893 for details or check their website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/overbecks Asoothing escape
Family entry only £18.80 Under 5s and members go FREE
DISCOUNT VOUCHER Present this voucher in Overbeck’s tea-room and
you will receive £1.00 discount on your purchases. One voucher per transaction, cannot be used with any other offer. Valid from 16 Feb to 3 Nov 2013. Code HT
FAST Rabbit Farm Garden is a great escape from busy lives. Once in the valley, you will be soothed by the River Black as it cas- cades over falls and through ponds to the beautiful lake at the heart of the garden. Spring shows of daf- fodil, bluebell and camellia are followed by a cascade of blos- som from wild cherry, magnolia and crab apple. Those enjoying wild life can enjoy wildflowers and but- terflies as they look out for kingfisher, kestrel and otter. If you have not visited for a year or so, you will enjoy the new wood- land walks and water features. Finish your visit with a browse
round the plant centre which has a wide range of shrubs and acid-loving plants: open Sunday to Thursday with teas served every Sunday
on the lawn. Guided wildlife walks begin in May (see website for details or ring 07813 504490). Fast Rabbit Farm are a family and dog-friendly garden.
www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk Lukesland Gardens Ahidden gem
‘A REAL hidden gem - we’ll be back!’; ‘What a glorious, tranquil place – divine plants’; ‘Enchanting garden and a lovely cup of tea!’
THESE are just some of the comments from visitors to Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, which give an idea of why this 24-acre family- run garden is so appre- ciated. Situated in a peaceful woodland val- ley on the edge of Dartmoor, Lukesland’s fine collection of camel- lias, rhododendrons and azaleas provide a spectacular show of colour in the Spring, against a wonderful backdrop of wildflow- ers. In October and November the reds and golds of Lukesland’s fine trees and shrubs reflected in the many
pools and waterfalls of the Addicombe Brook are also well worth see- ing. Flood damage in 2012 created an oppor- tunity for new land- scaping which regular visitors will be interest- ed to see. Home-made cakes by a log fire (and soup in the autumn) in the Victorian Tea Room and a Children’s Trail to keep the younger generation amused, these gardens have something for every- one. For opening times and further details see the advertisement on this page, call 01752 691749 or go to their website.
www.lukesland.co.uk Harford,Ivybridge Spring & Autumn Openings
“A gem of its kind’ - The Good Gardens Guide 24 acres of magnificent Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Champion Trees. Ponds, Pools and Waterfalls
SPRING 2013:
Suns, Weds and Bank Hols 2-6pm 14th April - 19th May
AUTUMN 2013: Suns and Weds 11am - 4pm 13th October - 10th November
Teas, Children’s Trail, Dogs on lead
Entry: Adults £5 Children FREE
01752 691749/893390
www.lukesland.co.uk FAST RABBIT FARM ASH CROSS, DARTMOUTH
Tel. 07813 504490 Website:
www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk E-mail:
catchall@fastrabbitfarm.co.uk
SPECIALIST NURSERY AND GARDEN Featured on Television and Radio
FOR SALE: Wide range of rhododendrons, camellias and many unusual shrubs and perennials Now 43 acres of planted woodland, waterside garden and woodland walks.
GARDEN OPEN DAILY Garden open from 11 am to 5 pm
Fast Rabbit Farm lake at the heart of the garden
EIGHTEEN
Teas available mainly on Sundays. Free car park and toilets. Adult £3.50, Child 50p.
www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk
£1 OFF
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