Open Gardens

Hospiscare has an excellent program of Open Gardens for you to visit in 2009, thanks to some wonderful gardeners! This year there are 24 gardens, 13 of them new to the programme, and 2 plant sales where you can pick up a bargain. For more information contact Vicky on 01392 688063 or v.lachenicht@hospiscare.co.uk for a brochure with full details.

Look forward to another great summer of enjoying beautiful gardens in Devon, we'll see you there!

Gardens for 2009

• Sidbury, near Sidmouth
  Sat 28 May and Sat 4 May, 2.30am-4.30pm
  Bridge Cottage. Pretty spring garden set in delightful village, with lawns, daffodils and numerous magnolias. Also features camellias forming a mass of colour. Mill stream running through the garden with fabulous views. Admission £2, no dogs, refreshments available, no wheelchair access. Traveling from Exeter on A3052 to Sidmouth. Pass Sidmouth and continue along A3052 to Sidford. Turn left onto A375 to Sidbury.From Honiton follow A375 to Sidbury. Bridge Street is in centre of Sidbury south of the village church. EX10 0RU.
• Near Dunsford , Exeter
  3 May - 10 May, 2.30am-4.30pm
  Bluebell walks and gardens, Eastern Hill Farm. Bring the family to enjoy this stunning woodland area with four wildlife ponds and delightful bluebell walks. Visit two farmhouse gardens then enjoy a delicious afternoon tea or, on either Sunday, enjoy a ploughman’s lunch. Fabulous art & craft exhibition. Admission by donation, dogs on leads, limited wheelchair access. From Exeter take the Moretonhampstead road B3212.  Proceed through the village of Longdown, continue for a further two miles, take left hand turning at Farrants Cross to Bridford/Christow B3193.  At Leigh Cross (by white thatched cottage) turn left under the disused railway bridge, continue up the hill for 1 mile. The farm is the third turning on the right. EX6 7BW.
• Seaton
  Fri 8 May - Sat 9 May, 2-5pm daily
  Hill Grove. Secluded 1920’s ¾ acre country garden filled with a wide variety of shrubs, trees and flowers set in several lawns. An abundance of spring colour, ornamental pond and view to the sea. Plants on sale. Admission by donation, refreshments available, limited wheelchair access, no dogs. From Sidmouth traveling on B3052 to Seaton. On approach to Seaton turn right onto B3172, Seaton Down Hill, by white water tower. On third road to the right, turn into Marlpit Lane (Bunts Lane) and continue along Marlpit Lane. House no. 18 on left (Marlpit Lane). EX12 2HH.
• Payhembury, Honiton
  Sun 10 May, 2-5pm
  Yarrow Park. A fabulous secret garden hidden away in a delightful village. Visitors can explore areas of herbaceous and rose borders with traditional cottage planting and vegetable garden. Stunning views over the Tale Valley. Admission £2, refreshments, limited wheelchair access, no dogs. From Exeter traveling on A30 to Honiton exit at  Pattesons Cross. Sign posted Ottery St Mary, Feniton, Fairmile. Turn left for Feniton/Payhembury. Pass village post office on left, take next left and follow lane. Garden signposted on right. EX14 3DH.
• Alphington, Exeter
  Sun 10 May, 2-5pm
  Pond House. Stunning woodland, naturalist garden set in 3 acres.  Over 40 varieties of camellias, and established cornus, plane trees and acacias.  Part of the Peamore estate, enjoy this delightful garden with walks around the lake. Admission £2, refreshments, no wheelchair access, dogs on leads. Travelling from Exeter on A379 towards A38 to Torquay.  Just after crossing bridge look for signs on left ‘Peamore Gardens’.  Pick up signs to garden en route from A38 near turn off to Alphington.EX2 9SJ.
• Plant sale , Honiton
  Sat 23 May, 2-5pm
  Get there early, plenty of bargains from a wide range of plants including  cottage garden cuttings, seedlings, annuals, shrub cuttings, vegetables and a whole lot more. Follow signs to Honiton, continue onto High Street.  Plant sale at the Baptist Church with parking available next to the church in the Co-op car park.
• Sidmouth
  Sat 24 May, 2-5.30pm
  Littlecourt Cottage. An oasis of calm in the middle of Sidmouth, a series of rooms for the plantaholic. With courtyard garden to the rear of house, lawn and water feature in front garden with rare and tender plants, displaying exceptional colour. Admission £3.50, refreshments available, no dogs, no wheelchair access. Garden situated 500 yds north of Sidmouth seafront.  Travelling on B3176 to Sidmouth seafront/Bedford car park, take Station Road past Manor Road then immediately up Seafield Road. Garden 100 yards up the road on the right. EX10 8HF.
• Ottery St Mary
  Thurs 28 May, 2-5pm
  Cadhay. Beautiful Cadhay gardens are set among meadows with herbaceous borders, yew trees and original mediaeval fish ponds. Walled garden and lawns with beautiful views over parkland. Specialist plants and garden products on sale. Admission £3, refreshments available, no dogs, wheelchair access. Cadhay is 1 mile north of Ottery St Mary. If travelling from the west on the new A30 exit at Patteson’s Cross and follow signs for Fairmile and then Cadhay. If travelling from the east exit at the Iron Bridge and follow signs for Fairmile and then Cadhay. EX11 1QT.
• Pennsylvania, Exeter
  Sat and Sun 30 and 31 May, 2-5pm
  25 Rosebarn Avenue. Pretty 1930s town house garden with herbaceous borders, lots of shrubs and beautiful plant house.  Features apple trees, vegetable garden and potting shed.  A keen propagator, so lots of interesting plants on sale. Admission £1, refreshments available, dogs on leads, limited wheelchair access. Rosebarn Avenue links Pennsylvania Hill and Rosebarn Lane in the Pennsylvania area of Exeter. From Exeter take Pennsylvania Hill and turn right near top of hill into Rosebarn Avenue. EX4 6DY.
• St Leonard's , Exeter
  Sat 6 June, 10am onwards
  Plant sale at Baring Crescent. Celebrate summer with a bargain, with plenty of quality plants to choose from including annuals, herbaceous plants, herbs, shrubs, vegetables and more. No dogs, limited wheelchair access. Parking available. Baring Crescent is situated in St Leonards between Magdalen Road & Heavitree Road.  Pedestrian access to the crescent will be signposted. EX1 1TL.
• County Hall, Exeter
  Sat 6 June, 2pm and 4pm
  Guided tours in the grounds of County Hall & Larkbeare House. The walks will highlight the interesting mature trees & shrubs at both properties, including an ancient oak tree at County Hall.  A brief history will also be given with a visit to a derelict gazebo on the river frontage at Larkbeare House. Admission £2, no dogs, no wheelchair access. Devon County Hall  is situated on Topsham Road. Parking at main car park. Please meet at main entrance steps at 2pm for tour. Larkbeare House is adjacent to St Leonard's Church on Topsham Road. Please meet at the entrance for tour at 4pm. Parking available. EX2 4QD.
• Clyst St George, Exeter
  Sat 6 June, 2.30pm - 5pm
  Lady Seward Primary School. Be enchanted by this school garden planned and developed by the pupils and parents of the school.  Features a dragon, a giant’s footprints, wildlife garden, vegetable garden and numerous other features. Admission by donation, no dogs, limited wheelchair access. Travelling from Exeter on A376 to Exmouth, continue past the Devon Fire & Rescue Service HQ.At roundabout take exit onto B3179, Clyst St George, then left again into Woodbury Road.  School in centre of village. EX3 0RE.
• Kennford, Exeter
  Sun 7 June, 2pm - 5pm
  Enjoy your afternoon tea on the lawns of this beautiful garden, created over the past 40 years.  A variety of trees, shrubs and borders, with pond and natural stream.  Set in the valley with fabulous vistas. Admission £2, dogs on leads, limited wheelchair access. Browns Farm is situated in the Kenn Valley. Travelling from Exeter take A38 towards Torquay/Plymouth. Take the slip road before the Shell garage and bear right as you cross the A38. Pick up signs to the garden from the international caravan site at Kennford. EX6 7XY.
• Exeter
  Sat and Sun 13 and 14 June, 2pm - 5pm
  Bacca and Greenacres. Two delightful gardens, both very different with unique ‘challenges’ and excellent inspiration for terraced gardening.  With lovely views, ponds and roses, enjoy a ‘two for one’ weekend. Admission by donation, dogs on leads, limited wheelchair access. From Exeter take A377 Cowley Bridge Road towards Crediton. Greenacres on right after West Garth Road (before reaching Cowley Bridge). Bacca is opposite Greenacres on left after West Garth Road. EX4 5HY.
• Lympstone
  Fri 19 June 7-9.30pm, and Sat 20 June, 10.30-12.30, 2.30-5pm
  The Acorns. Discover this hidden delight with different viewing options, enjoy a glass of wine and meander through this young evolving garden, with insect hotel, ponds, stumpery and babbling stream. Admission £3.50 Fri, £2 Sat. No dogs, no wheelchair access. Travelling from Exeter on A376 follow road through Ebford and Exton, past the Royal Marine camp to the traffic lights at Saddlers Pub, Lympstone. Turn right at the traffic light onto the village on Long Meadow Road. Harefield Drive is the third road on the right. EX8 5TT.
• Westleigh, Tiverton
  Sun 21 June 11.30-5.30pm
  Lower Ebear Farmhouse. Enjoy a Sunday out in the countryside in this lovely garden with areas of herbaceous borders, vegetables and fruit cage.  Bring the family for an excellent homemade lunch then wander around the fascinating collectors’ museum. Admission £3, dogs on leads limited wheelchair access. Travelling from Exeter on M5 north, turn off at junction 27 towards Wellington at A38. Turn left at four way Signposted Burlescombe, Westleigh. Pick up signs to garden en route. EX16 7HP.
• Tiverton
  Sun 21 June 10.30-5.30pm
  31 Spurway Road. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon with a delicious afternoon tea in this tranquil leafy garden.  With many interesting plants filling the garden down to the water’s edge on the Tiverton canal.  Maybe enjoy a stroll along the canal then return to enjoy your tea. Admission £2, no dogs, no wheelchair access. Travelling southbound on M5 to Tiverton, leave at junction 27 and follow A361.  Turn at roundabout on A396 marked Bickleigh and Grand Western canal. At roundabout go straight on (past McDonalds), at second roundabout turn right to Canal Hill.  Turn left into Spurway just before Costcutters shop on right. EX16 4ES.
• Sidbury near Sidmouth
  Sat 27 June 2-5pm
  White Lodge. Tucked away in a quiet village, a peaceful secluded garden nestling next to the River Sid and short walk to the mill.  Herbaceous borders, lawn with well established beds and stunning roses. Admission £2.50, dogs on leads, no wheelchair access. Travelling from Exeter on A3052 to Sidmouth.  Pass Sidmouth and continue along A3052 to Sidford.  Turn left onto A375 to Sidbury. From Honiton follow A375 to Sidbury. Church Street is in centre of Sidbury opposite village church. EX10 0SB.
• Countess Wear, Exeter
  Sat and Sun 27 and 28 June 2-5pm
  31 and 39 Exe Vale Road. Get plenty of inspiration from these two established urban gardens, with herbaceous borders and variety of shrubs and roses. With ponds, ornamental grasses and large cacti in pretty green house. Admission £3, dogs on leads, limited to no wheelchair access. In Exeter on Topsham Road, turn into School Lane (between Northbrook Golf Course and King George V playing fields). First left into Exe Vale Road. Both houses on right hand side. EX2 6LF.
• Fenny Bridges, Honiton
  Sun 28 June 2-5pm
  Little Ash Farm. A peaceful garden within one acre with extensive views. Immaculate lawns, new and established trees & shrubs. Three linked ponds with delightful rill. Fruit & vegetables and golf putting course. Admission £4, no dogs, limited wheelchair access. Fenny Bridges lies 3 miles west of Honiton. From Exeter take A30 to Honiton. Leave the A30 at Patteson’s Cross from Exeter (or Iron Bridge from Honiton) and pick up signs en route to garden. EX14 3BL.
• Whitestone, Exeter
  Sun 28 June 2-5pm
  Summer's Place. Sizeable expanding woodland haven north slope with appropriate planting; plus stream, ponds, rustic walks and features; new sunnier seating area with vistas. Intimate plots surround house, more quirky features and sculptures green, thrifty, thus topical yet entertaining and adventurous. Admission £3, dogs on leads, no wheelchair access. 6 miles NW of Exeter. From Exeter/M5, A30 towards Okehampton, after 10 miles turn to Tedburn St Mary, left at north of village, ¾ mile to Heath Cross, left to Crediton, garden ¾ mile on left. Heath Cross is 1 mile beyond Whitestone from Exeter, from Crediton follow Whitestone road though Fordton 3 miles, well signed.  Brief walk from car park. EX4 2HS.
• Sidmouth
  Sun 28 June 2-5.30pm
  Littlecourt Cottage. An oasis of calm in the middle of Sidmouth, a series of rooms for the plantaholic. With courtyard garden to the rear of house, lawn and water feature in front featuring rare and tender plants, with exceptional colour. Admission £3.50, no dogs, no wheelchair access. Garden situated 500 yds north of Sidmouth seafront. Travelling on B3176 to Sidmouth seafront/Bedford car park, take Station Road past Manor Road then immediately up Seafield Road. Garden 100 yards up the road on the right. EX10 8HF.
• Woodbury Salterton
  Sun 5 July 2-5pm
  The old Vicarage. Large rambling organic garden surrounding the Victorian vicarage with 60ft herbaceous border and extensive vegetable and soft fruit garden. Wildlife pond, and small bog garden. Admission £2, no dogs, limited wheelchair access. From Exeter take A376 to Sidmouth.  At the roundabout take 2nd exit onto A3052.  At the sign to Woodbury Salterton turn right onto Oil Mill Lane and continue into village. The drive is between the church and the school.  From Sidmouth turn at Whitehorse Lane and follow signs to garden. EX5 1PG.
• Sidmouth
  Sun 26 July 2-5.30pm
  Littlecourt Cottage. An oasis of calm in the middle of Sidmouth, a series of rooms for the plantaholic. With courtyard garden to the rear of house, lawn and water feature in front featuring rare and tender plants, with exceptional colour. Admission £3.50, no dogs, no wheelchair access. Garden situated 500 yds north of Sidmouth seafront. Travelling on B3176 to Sidmouth seafront/Bedford car park, take Station Road past Manor Road then immediately up Seafield Road. Garden 100 yards up the road on the right. EX10 8HF.
• Stockland, Honiton
  1 March - 5 July, by appointment
  Mellstock. Enjoy the delights and pleasures of this well established 1 acre cottage garden with trees, shrubs and bog garden. See many wild flowers and birds set in beautiful scenery and walk through the woodland garden. Admission by donation, dogs on leads, no wheelchair access. Between A30 and A35, 1 mile from Stockland Hill mast. Signposted Broadhayes or Millhayes. Please telephone 01404 881329 to book your appointment. EX14 9DH.