34 Gardens to visit this spring Part 2


In celebration of the 300 year anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, arguably Engand’s most famous and influential landscape architect, we present Part 2 of our guide to some of the many wonderful gardens in South Devon.


by Kate Cotton


Lukesland Gardens Lukesland Gardens, Ivybridge, PL21 0JF Lukesland’s noted collection of camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas provides a spectacular show of colour in the spring, against a wonderful backdrop of wild flowers. the tumbling Addicombe brook is criss-crossed by many charming and unusual bridges and its ponds and pools are home to wild birds, frogs and toads. With home-made soup and cakes served next to a log fire in the Victorian tea room and a children’s trail to keep the younger generation amused, these gardens have something for everyone. the gardens are open from 11am to 5pm on sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays. Dogs are welcome on a lead. For further details go to www.lukesland.co.uk


Stone Lane Gardens Two miles from Chagford, Dartmoor this enchanting five-acre woodland garden on the edge of Dartmoor is famous for national collections of birch and alder trees and its annual Mythic Garden sculpture exhibition.


the garden was created by the late Kenneth Ashburner as a space to plant trees given to him by collectors and during his trips abroad. It is now a charity to safeguard this unique collection of trees and educate people on the conservation of rare species. Many of the trees are rare to the uK. Alders and birches can also be bought from the on-site nursery. there is parking on site. opening times are 2pm to 6pm everyday during the summer months. Dogs are welcome on leads. For directions to the gardens and more information see www.stonelanegardens.com


Blackpool Gardens Blackpool Sands, Blackpool, Dartmouth, TQ6 0RG Hidden behind the beautiful Blackpool sands beach and an enticing green door lies a secret sub-tropical garden. the garden was established in 1896 and has been lovingly restored with a collection of semi-tropical plants gathered from the four corners of the world. there are no regimented flowerbeds here but a ‘plant man’s garden’ which reflects its former use supplying vegetables and flowers to the London markets. Gently sloping paths criss-cross through trees and shrubs, with glimpses of the sea as you go. Visit the Crow’s Nest and the path above the Captain’s seat for spectacular views of start Bay. the garden is open every day from April to the end of september, from 10am to 4pm, subject to weather conditions. No dogs allowed. A guide to the plants and shrubs is available when you buy your entry ticket from the car park attendant, detailing the rare and unusual specimens such as varieties of leptospermums and callistemons, embothriums, olearias and pittosporum. For more information see www.blackpoolsands.co.uk


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