Up Front!
‘Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.’ - Sam Keen
OUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARDENING CALENDAR OVER THE COMING WEEKS IN SOMERSET
GARDEN OPEN OF THE MONTH
BABBS FARM
Westhill Lane, Bason Bridge, Highbridge TA9 4RF A plantsman’s garden in the Somerset Levels, gradually created out of fields surrounding an old farmhouse and still being developed. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials have been planted with an eye for form and shape in big flowing borders; there are various ponds, both formal and informal, a box garden, patio area and conservatory. Open for the NGS: Sunday 27th, Monday 28th August, 2pm-5pm. Admission: £4, children free. Home-made teas, Dogs allowed. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Garden also open by arrangement May to September. Contact Sue & Richard O’Brien on 01278 793244.
TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW STAYS LOYAL TO ITS ROOTS Taunton Flower Show organisers are getting ready for what could be the last time the event is staged in Vivary Park in the centre of the town. The ‘Chelsea of the West’ - the country’s longest-running flower show - takes place on Friday and Saturday, 4th and 5th August. Entry for children is free and this year’s show includes food and craft areas, a children’s village, a plant village, gardeners’ question time, wine tasting, honey making, live music and the floral and competition marquees. Taunton Flower Show has a ‘county show’ theme but remains true to its horticultural origins with some outstanding plant nurseries attending plus traditional marquee flower presentations. Organisers are looking at a possible new venue next year after Taunton Deane Borough Council demanded a vastly increased fee to hire Vivary Park. www.tauntonfs.co.uk has full ticket details and timings of events.
High summer in the lavender fields There’s the chance on every weekend during late July and August to see the sensational lavender fields grown by Lavender & Co on the slopes of the Mendip Hills in Axbridge.The lavender field will be open to visitors for every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. The last date for 2017 is Monday, 28th August. Harvesting takes place in June and July so you will be able to buy freshly cut lavender on your visit. Visitors are welcome to walk around the field or can just sit and enjoy the view and the peace, perfume and tranquility of the field. There is a shop and cafe for light refreshments. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome. There’s free admission and parking. Lavender & Co is a single estate lavender field on Cheddar Road, Axbridge by Pass, Axbridge. ww.lavenderandco.co.uk www.countrygardener.co.uk
Hartwood House a gem of a garden Visitors will love the gardens at Hartwood House, tucked away near the Quantock Hills, ten miles from Taunton and five miles from Williton. The gardens, open on Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August for ‘Medecins Sans Frontieres’ (Doctors Without Borders), from 2pm until 5.30pm. Admission is £4, children free. There are cream teas and plant stalls. Good wheelchair access. WC – teas and toilet facilities easily accessed by wheelchair users. Dogs on leads are welcome and there’s ample parking. The house is signposted between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. Any queries call 01984 667202. Hartwood House Garden, Crowcombe Heathfield, Taunton TA4 4BS 3