Furzehill Farm, Fordingbridge, Hampshire
GARDEN Visits THE BEST GARDENS TO VISIT compiled by Vivienne Lewis
Gardens are bursting with colour so it’s not surprising that June is a very popular time for charity garden openings, including groups with owners getting together to give visitors a great trip out to see a variety of neighbouring but contrasting gardens, and of course good tea and cake. Here’s a selection in the counties we cover. If dogs are not mentioned, they are not allowed into the gardens.
southcombe GArdens
Dartmoor, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon TQ13 7TU Two glorious gardens open in the village famous for its fair, Uncle Tom Cobley and its 14th century church known as ‘the Cathedral of the Moor’. Southcombe Barn has four acres with trees and drifts of flowers, abundantly wild and intensely colourful, while Southcombe House has five acres with an arboretum and orchid-rich restored wild flower meadow. On a steep slope 900ft above sea level with fine views to nearby tors. Open for the NGS: Saturday 27th May, Sundays 28th May, 4th June, 11th June, 18th June, 25th June, 2nd July, 2pm-5pm. Combined admission £5, children free. Home-made teas at Southcombe Barn. Visitors also welcome by arrangement May & June for groups of 10+. Telephone: 01364 621332. Email: amandasabin1@ hotmail.com Partial wheelchair access. Dogs allowed.
kentisbury GArdens
Kentisbury, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 4NT
High in the North Devon countryside a few miles from the dramatic coastline and bordering Exmoor National Park, these three gardens make good use of the landscape and views. One garden has hundreds of roses, herbaceous borders, lawns, stream, pond and large ornamental kitchen garden; another is a large country garden with pond, stream, mature trees and shrubs, mixed borders, wildlife areas, and fruit/ vegetable area; and there’s a pretty cottage garden with colourful borders, shrubs, climbers and small trees. Open for the NGS: Sunday 25th June, 12pm5pm. Combined admission: £5, children free. Cream teas at Beachborough Country House, provided by Kentisbury WI. Dogs allowed.
www.countrygardener.co.uk
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