| ¾ acre main garden with clematis, rose arches & pergolas, streams, ponds, bog garden, garden sculpture exhibition, riverside walk to the top weir. |  |
| Collections of iris, oriental poppies, delphiniums, day lilies & dahlias. Also workaday garden for vegetables, soft fruit & cutting flowers. Featured in the Good Gardens Guide, on TV and in many national gardening magazines. The garden is overlooked by the historic watermill, dating back to 1290. The mill now grinds corn with its Victorian turbine, and generates electricity with its new turbine, installed in 2004. There are guided tours of the mill, about every half hour. Teas & home-made cake in the fuchsia & begonia conservatory. OPEN: Garden & mill: 15 May-end Sep, Sun & Bank Hols 2-5. |
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½ m SW of Bruton. SW of Bruton on the Yeovil road, A359, under railway bridge, uphill 100 yds, fork 1st R down Gants Mill Lane. |
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Alison & Brian Shingler. www.gantsmill.co.uk. 01749-812393 |
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F3 WALLED GARDEN
NURSERY |
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Simpson’s Seeds specialist nursery with a huge range of unusual plants & seeds for the kitchen garden. |
| Working kitchen garden planted with many varieties of vegetables & flowers.
Great Chilli Event: Late May Bank Hol. Pepper/Tomato Tasting Days: Dates to be announced. Good range of perennial plants.
OPEN: Nursery: Apr-May Tue-Sun 10-5. Jun-end Sep Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-1. Seed shop: Plus Oct-Mar Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-1. Frome Rd, 350 yds past Bath Arms. 01985-845004. www.simpsonsseeds.co.uk. |
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F4
CHIFFCHAFFS/ABBEY PLANTS Bourton |
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A garden for all seasons with many interesting plants, shrubs, bulbs, shrub roses & herbaceous border. |
| Attractive walk to woodland garden with far-reaching views across the Blackmore Vale. Rhododendrons, azaleas, primulas, meconopsis etc. OPEN: Garden: Mid Mar-mid Oct, Wed & Thu, & some Suns 2-5. Nursery: Mid Feb-mid Nov, Tue-Sat, 10-5. Chaffeymoor. W end of Bourton village, 3m E of Wincanton, off A303. Mr K Potts. 01747-840841. F4 SNAPE COTTAGE PLANTSMAN'S GARDEN Bourton |
| This organically managed plantsman’s garden has collections of unusual perennials & bulbs – snowdrops, hellebores, pulmonarias, |  |
| auriculas, “old” daffodils, dianthus, iris, hardy geraniums & asters in informal cottage-garden style borders. Visitors can watch the many birds by the wildlife pond. Delicious refreshments & small nursery. Snape Stakes iron plant supports made & sold. OPEN: 2008 Feb-Aug incl: last 2 Suns in each month. May-Aug: every Thu 10.30-5. 3m E of Wincanton at W end of Bourton, signed off old A303, 1/4 m up Chaffeymoor Hill. Angela & Ian Whinfield. 01747-840330, evenings. www.snapestakes.com. |
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F6 STICKY WICKET Buckland Newton |
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The 2 acre garden is divided into 4 areas with varied planting styles & harmonious colouring. There is information to |
| guide visitors through gardens, which are individually designed with features & planting to attract beneficial wildlife. The 1½ acre wildflower meadows & the small nursery are a particular attraction. NOT OPEN IN 2008 & 2009 11m N of Dorchester, 9m S of Sherborne, E of A352. Midway church & school. Pam Lewis. www.stickywicketgarden.co.uk. 01300-345476. |
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D6 HORTUS GARDEN
& NURSERY Rousdon, Lyme Regis |
| This plant-lover’s garden features over 1000 different plant types, within imaginatively designed colour-themed borders, surrounding a pebble beach, |  |
| complete with beach hut & boat & a mock golf hole. The nursery specialises in perennials, ornamental grasses & herbs. Teas served – try our home-made cakes!
OPEN: 1 Mar-end Oct Wed-Sat 10-5. Shrubbery Bungalow, School Lane. On the A3052 between Lyme Regis & Seaton, next to Rousdon Garage. www.hortusnursery.com. Mark Houghton. 01297-444019 C6 BURROW FARM GARDENS Dalwood, Axminster |
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Beautifully landscaped 10 acre garden. Magnificent views. Woodland garden in Roman clay pit. |
| Rill garden with luxuriant colour themed plantings. Ponds & sweeping lawns with fine trees. A plantsman’s delight. Good Gardens Guide recommended. Nursery & coffee shop for light lunches & teas. Groups by arrangement. OPEN 2008: Daily 10-7, 21 Mar-31 Oct. ½ m from A35 between Axminster & Honiton. Follow brown tourist signs from A35. www.burrowfarmgardens.co.uk. Mary Benger. 01404-831285. C6 SUNDIAL GARDEN Offwell, nr Honiton |
| A friendly small nursery specialising in fuchsias & pelargoniums including many rare varieties. Also shrubs, climbers, herbaceous, bedding. |  |
| A peaceful half-acre garden in process of renovation has camellias, azaleas, water garden, borders, woodland & exotic shrubs. Homemade light meals & snacks. Shop with local food & drink. OPEN: Mar-Oct 9.30-5.30. Nov-Feb 10-4. On main A35 between Honiton & Axminster. 2m from Honiton look for green & yellow signs on left. www.sundialgarden.co.uk. Katharine Murray. 01404-831549. |
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A3 GREENCOMBE
GARDENS Porlock |
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This woodland garden is richly planted under a high canopy of trees. Come in April for camellias & erythronium; |
| for fragrant & blue rhododendrons come early May; for knock-you-down colour choose mid & late May, for roses June, & for lilies July. There are abundant ferns, views over Porlock Bay, compost heaps & leaf tips on show. Greencombe has been organic for 40 years.
OPEN: Apr-Jul Sat-Wed 2-6. ½m W of Porlock, off B3225. Joan Loraine. 01643-862363 B4 ELWORTHY COTTAGE NURSERY & GARDEN Elworthy, nr Taunton |
| One acre plantsman's garden in the Exmoor National Park. Colour-themed island beds with many perennials, bulbs, grasses, clematis & shrubs |  |
| to provide year round interest. Decorative vegetable garden, wild flower areas & living willow screen. Nursery specialising in unusual perennials & clematis grown in peat-free compost. OPEN: Mid Mar-May Thu-Sat 10-4. Jun-Oct Thu 10-4. Groups & coaches by appt. On B3188 in centre of Elworthy village (mid-way between Wiveliscombe & Watchet). Jenny Spiller. www.elworthy-cottage.co.uk. 01984-656427. B4 GAULDEN MANOR Tolland, Lydeard St Lawrence |
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Rose, herb, bog & butterfly gardens. Beyond is the Monks’ fishpond & island, with a secret garden of white plants. |
| Towards the house a grassy walk with old shrub roses. This is a garden for exploring, not over-neat, but full of interest. Plants for sale.
OPEN: Jun Jul Aug. Sun & Thu & Bank Hols 2-5. 9m NW of Taunton, off B3224. J H Starkie. 01984-667213. |
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D4 KINGSDON
GARDEN & NURSERY nr Somerton |
| Two acre plantsman’s garden & nursery garden. A large selection of carefully chosen trees, shrubs & herbaceous perennials – many of them rare and hard to come by.Knowledgeable help with new or established
gardens. (Pictured right: Hedysarum Coronarium) |
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| OPEN: Daily 10-7. 2m SE of Somerton. Off B3151Ilchester Road. From Ilchester roundabout on A303 follow NT signs to Lytes Cary. L opposite gates, ½m to Kingsdon. Drive up through village, nursery signs on L. Patricia Marrow. 01935-840232 |
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D2 WAVERING DOWN Cross, nr Axbridge |
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Explore the beautiful gardens and inside the home of the late Frankie Howerd OBE, film star, comedian & author, in the surroundings |
| he loved while rehearsing his lines, with the majestic backdrop of ‘Crooks Peak’. Featured in national magazines & on TV. Cream teas. All proceeds to charitable causes.
OPEN: 2008 open days - from 10.30 to 16.30 - (with contributions going to local charities) are on the following dates: Mar 2, 23, 24, 30, Apr 27, May 4, 5, 25, 26, June 29, July 27, Aug 24, 25, Sep 28. Concerts 15 Jun 2-6, 2 Aug 6-10, 13 Sep 6-10. Edwardian Christmas 14 Dec 4-7. Webbington Rd. From A38 south, enter village of Cross – Old Coach Rd, L into Webbington Rd. 50 yds on R. Chris Byrne. 01934-732013. For further information, click here. |
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D2 JASMINE
COTTAGE GARDEN & NURSERY Clevedon |
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Stylish & imaginative garden with tall hedged rooms, scented old-fashioned roses, the more unusual climbers, shrubs |
| & herbaceous perennials in island beds, some with gravel. A decorative potager uses salmon traps as supports for beans & peas, & around 50 different varieties of the genus salvia are grown. RHS
Recommended Garden. OPEN: 2008 May-Jul Thu 11-4. Also Thu 4&11 Sep. 1 May –11 Sep by appt. 26 Channel Rd. From M5 J20 take road to seafront. Continue N on B3124. R at St Mary’s Church. Margaret & Michael Redgrave. 01275-871850 D2 MIDDLECOMBE NURSERY & GARDENS Congresbury |
| .5 acre nursery with a huge range of plants, nearly all home-grown, shrubs, perennials, grasses, trees, bamboos, palms, topiary etc. |  |
| We specialise in big plants for “instant gardens”. 1 acre of gardens laid out in themed areas; modern, traditional, Italian courtyard, pool and water features. OPEN: 2008 Mar-Oct daily 10-5. Nov-Feb Mon-Fri 10-4. Wrington Rd. Just off the A370 on the Bristol side of Congresbury. Nigel J North. www.middlecombenursery.co.uk. 01934-876337. |
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F1 DERRY WATKINS
SPECIAL PLANTS Cold Ashton |
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Architect designed non-traditional garden on steep south-facing slope with stunning views. Made from derelict farm. Gravel gardens, ponds, black & white border, red-hot border, glorious late summer colour. Full of new ideas & plants. Adjoining nursery a plantsman’s paradise. |
| One-day gardening courses in autumn. OPEN: 2008 Nursery: Mar-Oct daily, 10-5. Garden: Wed Jul-Aug, also 3rd Thu Jun-Sep, 11-5. Greenways Lane, Cold Ashton. 6 mls N of Bath, off A46, just before A420 roundabout. Derry Watkins. www.specialplants.net. 01225- 891686. G1 ABBEY HOUSE GARDENS Malmesbury |
| As seen on TV! This breathtaking 5 acre garden has been created by "naked gardeners", Ian and Barbara Pollard. Outstanding colour |  |
| from early spring well into autumn with eye-catching displays of tulips, irises, azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, herbaceous, fruit, herbs and specimen trees. A stunning, historic town centre setting with formal, informal and river gardens. Huge variety on varying levels - a plantsman's dream. Good paths, labelling, water features and refreshments. OPEN: 2008 Daily 21 Mar-31 Oct, 11.00-5.30. M4 J17, N 5 mls. A429 Malmesbury town centre. Follow brown signs. Barbara Pollard. www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk. 01666-822212/827650. |
| E3 STON EASTON PARK HOTEL & GARDENS |
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Explore this 18th century garden, first created by Humphry Repton, & more recently by Penelope Hobhouse. Stroll through the cutting garden, the walled vegetable garden & see the greenhouses. Lawns slope down to |
| the River Norr, spanned by romantic Palladian bridges. Historic features include an icehouse, ruined grotto & a sham castle. For a garden plan, come to the house. Lunches & teas served. OPEN: 2008 All year round. On the A37, 11m S of Bristol & 6m N of Shepton Mallet. www.stoneaston.co.uk. 01761-241631 E3 MILL COTTAGE PLANTS NURSERY & GARDEN Henley Mill, Wookey |
| 2½ acres beside River Axe. Plantsman’s garden, shady ‘secret garden’ for hellebores, late summer borders, formal kitchen |  |
| garden & pleached hornbeam arbour.
Featured in national magazines & on TV. Nursery specialising in rare hydrangea & plants growing in the garden. Garden writer & owner, Sally Gregson, runs Propagation Workshops in September. OPEN: 2008 Mar-Sep Wednesdays 10-6. 2m W of Wells off A371. Turn L into Henley Lane, driveway 50 yds on L. www.millcottageplants.co.uk. Sally Gregson. 01749-676966. E3 MILTON LODGE GARDEN Wells |
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Mature listed terraced garden of great charm, with stunning views of Wells Cathedral & Vale of Avalon. Mixed borders, |
| roses, fine trees, separate 7 acre arboretum.
OPEN: 2008 Easter-end Oct, Tue, Wed, Sun, Bank Hols 2-5. Old Bristol Road. From A39 Bristol/Wells road, turn N up Old Bristol Road. Car park 1st gate on L (cars/minibus). Coaches by special arrangement. Mr & Mrs Tudway Quilter. 01749-672168. E3 TIME TRAIL OF ROSES AND BULBS Wells |
| Magnificent collection of about 1000 roses underplanted with bulbs: snowdrops, crocus, tulips, alliums, iris, lilies, autumn crocus, |  |
| colchicums & nerines –
2000+ varieties, all planted in date order of their introduction, to show their beauty, diversity & evolution. Productive herb & fruit garden. A fragrant paradise for rose-lovers, plant enthusiasts, garden historians.
OPEN: Feb-Oct: 2nd & 4th Sun 2-6. May-Jul: Sun-Wed 2-6. Westfield Road. Park in Tucker St car park, bet. Tesco & ring road. Unsuitable for wheelchairs, push-chairs or dogs. Susan Lee. 01749-674677. E3 CHALICE WELL GARDENS Glastonbury |
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Twelve acres of organically managed land with a four acre public garden dedicated to meditation and reflection and designated as a |
| ‘World Peace Garden.’ Natural planting in cottage garden style with many traditional and unusual varieties with year round interest. OPEN: 2008 Every day of the year. Apr-Oct 10am - 5:30pm Nov - Mar 10am-4:00pm On Shepton Mallet road out of Glastonbury at foot of Tor. www.chalicewell.org.uk. 01458 831154. |