Synopsis: A trip out with Mum to visit Marwood Hill Gardens, in North Devon. This is possibly my favourite garden in Devon. Probably one week too early for us to see astilbes at their best, but some to be seen.
I first discovered Marwood Hill Gardens in North Devon about ten years ago, whilst browsing the Internet for a garden to visit in Devon. Since then I’ve been back numerous times, once before with Mum. I’ve always liked the planting at this garden, as it done in such a way as to appear natural to the eye, making the optimum use of the contours of its valley situation. The garden is naturally ‘wet’, therefore wet loving plants such as astilbes, primula, irises, lilies and gunnera, are all to be found thriving in this garden.
Astrantia - Major
A flower I recently discovered, now a firm favourite of mine, is the exquisite astrantia, a beautifully delicate flower that appears to almost glow in the light. I first came across examples of this flower at Forde Abbey and at Garden House, and here (to the right) is an example to be found in this garden. They’re also to be seen at Lanhydrock and Rosemoor. I’m currently attempting to grow this variety from a bulb I acquired earlier in the year; there are shoots appearing above the soil, so fingers crossed!
Astilbe by one of the lakes
One of the main reasons for choosing a visit to Marwood Hill at this time of year was my hope that we would see an abundant display of astilbe, especially as the summer has proven so wet. We did see some fine displays of astilbe but I believe we were about a week too early to see them at their best. It has been such a cold and wet early summer that all plants are coming into bloom a little later than usual this year. When the astilbes at Marwood are at their best, the garden landscape appears like a sea of soft coated mounds of white, pink and red flowers. Marwood Hill Gardens holds the national collection of astilbe.
I’ve not a lot more to say, as photos speak louder than words, particularly where gardens are involved. Here’s one last photo, a not altogether successful attempt at a panorama across one of the lakes.
A panoramic view of the top lake
For information, Mum and I stopped off at Braunton for lunch before visiting the garden, both of us having a delicious scampi and chips at a café named Squires on the main Exeter (A361) road. Very nice food in pleasant surroundings and served with politeness and efficiency. PS. Braunton car park is free on Sundays! It’s a mere 5.8 miles from there to Marwood Hill Gardens, but be warned, the gardens are to be found down narrow lanes. But don’t be put off by that; go, and you will be well rewarded.
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