By the Dart • Gardens to visit
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens Bicton, East Budleigh Salterton, EX9 7BJ these magnificent Grade 1 listed gardens are set in the picturesque otter Valley. the superbly landscaped park combines 18th century tranquility with modern amenities, featuring historic glasshouses, nature trail, maze, restaurant and shop. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens is home to many rare plants, including one of the finest collections of trees in Britain. An almost 300-year-old Italian Garden, with stone obelisk and fountains, and Mediterranean and Rose Gardens are just some of the highlights of this expansive site. there’s lots of parking and much of the gardens are accessible to all. the day is complete with a drink or meal at the orangery Restaurant. the gardens are open from10am to 5pm. Dogs are welcome on leads. For more information visit
www.bictongardens.co.uk
Saltram Gardens Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH Lose yourself along secluded walks in saltram’s garden or laze about on the grass. It’s an ideal space for all ages to explore, with expansive lawns, romantic follies, impressive avenues and a working orangery with fountain outside. take a tour of the garden buildings, have a cup of tea in the chapel and play a game of croquet on the lawn in front of the house. the garden is open from 10am to 5pm. Dogs are welcome in the woods and parkland only. tours are available on request, as are maps of accessible garden areas. see
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram for more information.
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Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens Ash, Dartmouth, TQ6 0LR Fast Rabbit’s garden occupies 42 acres of the secluded strawberry Valley, three miles out of Dartmouth. It’s been created in a naturally rich habitat of streams, woodland and arable farmland, and the ever-present sound of water as it trickles and cascades through the valley adds a very tranquil touch. Lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of the kingfisher by the river or diving for fish in the lake. In April the stunning displays of primroses and celandines have been called “mind-boggling” by one visitor, with plants cascading down hill-sides and carpeting the paths. A self-serve refreshment facility has now been set up in the plant centre but visitors are still encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy one of several lovely outdoor locations with seats and picnic tables. the gardens are open from 11am to 5pm. For more in- formation and directions visit
www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk
Buckland Abbey Gardens Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, PL20 6EY the Abbey garden features beautiful camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias. From the garden you can see right across the valley to the woodland stretching down to the river tavy. the elizabethan Garden is typical of the tudor era and the gentle sound of a fountain provides a calming backdrop as you take in the views. there is also a delightful secret Garden and a Kitchen Garden, which is how it would have been in the time of the monks. the Cider House Garden feels like you’re stepping into a hidden wonderland with borders full of seasonal blooms, and a lawn carpeted with wild flowers in spring and winding paths through trees and shrubs. there are even outdoor games, including Quoits and skit- tles, available to play while you soak in the scenery. there’s a tearoom on site and parking is good. An off-road disability vehicle is available to book on request. the gar- dens are open from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Dogs are welcome in some areas. Visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey for more details.
Part 2 of Gardens to Visit this year in our May 2016 issue
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