Buckland Brewer Gardeners' Club

Three gardens near Barnstaple open on Sunday 11th September.

Why not visit all three? Gorwell House is a large garden with many rare and tender plants, 32 Allenstyle Drive is a small (50ft x 100ft) garden with subtropical planting and The Old Rectory has superb views over the Taw estuary and a wide variety of unusual plants.

Gorwell House Barnstaple EX32 7JP opens on Sunday 11th September from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Admission is £3.50, and children are free. Mostly created by John Marston since 1979, this four acre garden overlooking the Taw estuary has a benign microclimate which allows many rare and tender plants to grow and thrive, both in the open and in the walled garden.

As well as many trees including a Tulip tree, Cedar of Lebanon, Blue Atlantic Cedar and magnolias planted in the late 70s, John has built up a collection of unusual and rarely seen plants from Chile, the Antipodes, China and other corners of the globe. There is an Autumn border and much to see including numerous follies built by John, such as a Grotto, an octagonal summerhouse and a large domed temple dedicated to Pan. The garden has appeared in various magazines and articles, and many of the plants and design features have appeared in reference books so don’t miss the chance to visit this unusual garden.

Cream Teas. The garden is located 1 mile east of Barnstaple centre on the Bratton Fleming Road. Plants usually for Sale.

32 Allenstyle Drive, Yelland, Barnstaple EX31 3DZ is also open on Sunday 11th September and again on Sunday 18th September form 10.30am to 6.00pm. The subtropical planting in this 50 x 100ft garden includes bananas, hedychiums (gingers), palms, and an exotic collection of passionflowers and more. Cream teas available and also plants for sale.

The Old Rectory, Ashford, Barnstaple EX31 4BY is open on Sunday 11th September from 11am to 5pm. One and a half acres of south facing garden, with superb views of Taw estuary. Top garden: large pond with lilies, borders show interesting planting. Lower garden: wide variety of unusual plants and shrubs. Plenty of seating, tea is served on the terrace.

These gardens are open for the National Gardens Scheme who are Macmillan Cancer Care’s largest single donor so why not have a great day out and do your bit for the very worthwhile charities that the NGS supports. For more information and to see the full list of gardens and photos go to: www.ngs.org.uk. or pick up a yellow Devon Gardens booklet at your nearest garden centre or Tourist Information Centre.