RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington
A beautiful place to visit again and again and admire as the seasons change. Stunning bedding displays to inspire and a fantastic selection of display gardens. These include: The Plantman's garden and Foliage garden, Erica's personal favourites the Cottage garden, the Potager garden and Herb garden. There is a Square garden, a Spiral garden, a Shrub rose garden, the Queen Mother's Rose garden and another stunner is the Hot garden. Linking all these gardens is the Long Border which is spectacular during the summer months. There is also the winter garden and small model gardens.
Further afield there is the alpine terrace, woodland walk and the lake area to explore, which is quite stunning. There is a wildflower meadow, an orchard and another favourite stop is the Fruit and Vegetable garden, which is to die for. There is the tropical underpass that leads you into another area with an Arboretum, the upper bog garden, Lady Anne's garden with a tulip tree that flowers in summer and looks magnificent, plus a Stone garden and Mediterranean garden. There are various events throughout the year and the restaurant and tea room are above average. This is a fantastic day out.
 The Hot Garden |
 Bog area in spring |
 Veg and Fruit Garden |
 The Winter Garden |
The Garden House, near Tavistock
This is a lovely drive along the western fringes of Dartmoor with some lovely views. You pass through the historic town of Tavistock which is worth a stop to look at the architecture, a bite to eat or to browse round the pannier market. Just south of Tavistock along some winding country lanes you reach The Garden House. There are surprises around every corner and stunning planting. Meander through the South African garden, the Spring garden, the Cottage garden, the Wild Flower Meadow, the Quarry garden, the Acer Glade, the Ten Trees and Rhododendron walk, the Bulb Meadow and then into the more formal areas. These include the Walled garden, the Bottom Terrace and the Tennis Court terrace and the very striking Ovals garden. Finally there is the Bowling Green terrace and the Front Lawns. The rooms have a lovely selection of home made cakes and teas. The plant centre offers a wide range of unusual plants and shrubs at reasonable prices.
 The Ovals Garden |
 South African Garden |
 The Bottom Terrace |
 The Sunken Garden |
Wildside Nursery, near Tavistock
Past The Garden House and further down the lane is Wildside Nursery. Created and run by Keith Wiley, former head gardener and manager of The Garden House. Mr Wiley's garden was featured on the TV programme The Landscape Man which gives you tantalising glimpses of the garden but doesn't do it justice. Go and see it for yourself and you will not be disappointed. It is an amazing garden with a wide variety of plants for sale and art work by Mrs Wiley. Opening times are restricted so check beforehand but this is a place not to be missed.
 Textures and foliage |
 River like effect |
 Ribbon pathway |
 Mexican courtyard |
Glebe Cottage, Umberleigh
Owned and run by Carol Klein the garden TV presenter. Not as big as expected but the sheer abundance of plants, flowers, colour and foliage make up for that. Small nursery with unusual plants.
Docton Mill Gardens, Hartland
Superb spring display of bulbs, lovely river walk, woodland, bog area, herbaceous borders, wildlife pond and vegetable garden. Excellent cream teas and food. Plants for sale.
Endsleigh Gardens Nursery, north west of Tavistock
Set in a Victorian walled garden is this amazing nursery. Specialising in Japanese maples, Wisterias, Cornus and Magnolias. They also stock a wide range of other plants, many unusual and fruit trees. Well worth a visit.
Homeleigh Garden Centre, Launceston
Erica isn't a fan of garden centres that sell everything under the sun but this one is worth a mention. The plant section is good with a wide variety of plants - some unusual - and bedding plants at very reasonable prices. The restaurant is recommended with delicious simple meals. Very popular so avoid busy times.
 Glebe Cottage |
 Carol Klein |
 Docton Mill Gardens |
 Homeleigh Garden Centre |
If you are planning a garden visit to Devon and Cornwall, don't forget to browse through the National Gardens Scheme to visit a wide selection of gardens open for charity that are not generally open to the public.
