Dulverton Gardening Club

Go to content
Visits 2022

Friday 4th March – HALDON GRANGE, DUNCHIDEOK

Haldon Grange, near Exeter, is a hidden family gem that boasts one of the largest collections of rhododendrons azaleas, magnolias and camellias interspersed with mature and rare trees, all complemented by a lake and cascading ponds set in five aces of an arboretum. The current owners rescued the derelict gardens when they moved in 30 years ago and have transformed it into the peaceful space it is today.

Monday 4th April – WHITE POST NURSERY, LANGFORD BUDVILLE

The nursery is a friendly, family-run garden centre near Wellington where they grow a wide range of hardy perennials (some unusual), roses, succulents, shrubs, trees, fruit and vegetables They ‘over-winter’ most of their stock outside in an unprotected environment which makes their plants, shrubs and trees very hardy and able to thrive in demanding conditions.

Wednesday 4th May – BARRINGTON COURT, ILMINSTER

 
Barrington Court is an atmospheric fragment of old Somerset; an empty Tudor manor house beautifully restored in the 1920’s by Col Lyle of Tate & Lyle fame. There are numerous farm buildings, abundant gardens including the walled White Garden, the Rose & Iris Garden and Lily Garden, all influenced by Gertrude Jekyll. The original kitchen garden supplies the restaurant with produce and continues the Lyle family ethos of self-sufficiency.

Tuesday 10th May – HALDON GRANGE, DUNCHIDEOK

 
Haldon Grange, near Exeter, a return visit (see above) to see the rhododendrons and azaleas in flower.

Tuesday 7th June – THE GARDEN HOUSE, YELVERTON

This was originally a family home and private garden which was purchased by the Fortescue family back in 1945. It is now run by the Fortescue Garden Trust, a charity committed to maintaining this special place for all to enjoy. It includes the Cottage Garden, the Acer Glade, the Walled Garden and the Jubilee Garden which was opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex in 2013. The gardens hold special seasonal interest from early in the year through to the amazing autumn colours in the Acer Glade. There is a café and plant sales area to add to your enjoyment.

Wednesday 6th July – THE WALLED GARDEN, CANNINGTON

The garden is owned by Bridgwater & Taunton College and lies within the grounds of the Medieval priory and many of the original buildings, including the walls of the garden, remain. Having undergone extensive restoration and re-development the gardens were officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex in 2009 and include features such as the ‘hot’ herbaceous border, the blue garden, the sub-tropical walk, a winter garden, a Victorian-style fernery amongst others. There is also a botanical glasshouse, tearoom, plant nursery and gift shop.

Friday 5th August – TINTINHULL GARDEN, YEOVIL

This National Trust garden was designed by Mrs Phyllis Reiss, an amateur gardener, around a 17th century manor house and is divided into seven ‘rooms’ by neat yew hedges and walls. Each garden ‘room’ has its’ own character and opens onto the lovely pool garden, the fountain garden and traditional garden with colourful mixed borders. Although only 1½ acres in total, it gives the impression of being much larger.

Tuesday 6th September – BROADLEIGH GARDENS, TAUNTON

Broadleigh has been leading the field in the propagation of small bulbs for over 40 years. They are a family-run business and supply top quality bulbs with a personal service. As well as supplying a full range of spring bulbs, they hold the National Collection of ‘Alec Gray’ hybrids – miniature daffodils. They also have an historic collection of unusual daffodil varieties and species. Their catalogues are available on-line and pre-booked orders can be collected in season.

Monday 3rd October – STONE LANE GARDENS, CHAGFORD

Stone Lane Gardens is a spectacular 5 acre woodland and water garden on the edge of Dartmoor and is famous for its’ National Collection of Birch and Alder trees. Created by Kenneth and June Ashburner in the early 1970’s, they began planting trees grown from seed gathered by Kenneth during his travels until it grew into what it is today. In 2015 Plant Heritage awarded the gardens ‘Scientific Status’ in recognition of the work Kenneth had done to promote knowledge of Birch and Alder.

Dulverton Gardening Club
Back to content