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By Arrangement gardens in Devon

If you’re looking to organise a private visit to a garden, whether it be for a local group or for friends and family, a By Arrangement can provide something a little different. In Devon there’s a range of gardens available for private By Arrangement visits, find out more below.

Andrew's Corner, Belstone

Take a walk on the wild side in this tranquil moorland garden. April openings highlight magnolias, trillium and the lovely erythroniums. Early May the maples, rhododendrons and unusual shrubs provide interest, late May brings the Snowdrop Tree, Chilean Firebush and the spectacular blue poppies. Opens for By Arrangement visits from February to May for groups of up to 30.

Ash Park, Kingsbridge

In a stunning location, with 180˚ view of the sea, Ash Park nestles at the foot of the escarpment, in 3½ acres of sub-tropical gardens, paths to explore, woodland glades, ponds and hidden seating areas. In September, cannas, hydrangeas, ginger lilies, salvias, aeoniums and dahlias are at their best. At other times there are spectacular displays of lampranthas, agapanthas, camelias and echiums. Opens for By Arrangement visits for groups of 8+.

Avenue Cottage, Totnes

11 acre woodland valley garden, forming part of the Grade II* Sharpham House Landscape. The garden contains many rare and unusual trees and shrubs with views over the River Dart AONB and Sharpham. Azaleas, hydrangeas and magnolias are a speciality. A spring rises in the garden under a spectacularly large rhododendron feeding two ponds and a small stream running through a meadow with mown paths. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September for groups of up to 25.

32 Allenstyle Drive, Barnstaple

Our garden is 30m x 15m and is packed full of all our favourite plants. See our huge bananas, cannas, colocasias, delicate and scented tropical passion flowers, rudbeckias, perennial sunflowers, a wildlife pond and a new large cedar greenhouse. Relax and inhale the heady scents of the garden and rest awhile in the many seating areas. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 5th August to 15th September for groups of up to 15.

Bickham House, Exeter

6 acres with lawns, borders, mature trees. Formal parterre with lily pond. Walled garden with colourful profusion of vegetables and flowers. Palm tree avenue leading to millennium summerhouse. Late summer colour with dahlias, crocosmia, agapanthus etc. Cactus and succulent greenhouse. Pelargonium collection. Lakeside walk. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 29th March to 8th September.

Breach, Axminster

3+ acres with many mature trees, some unusual trees planted recently, e.g. Hoheria, Cornus mas, Nyssa. Herbaceous borders, shrubberies, vegetable/fruit area. Bog garden using natural spring and 2 ponds attract dragonflies. Disused shale tennis court has orchids and is being developed as wildflower area. Soil mainly acidic and a band of specimen rhododendrons was planted 12 yrs ago. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 3 June to October for groups of between 10 and 30.

Brendon Gardens, Lynton

Stunning part of Exmoor National Park. Excellent walking along river. Visit www.ngs.org.uk/brendon-gardens-ngs-map-2023/ to see a map of the gardens. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September.

Byes Reach, Sidmouth

¼ acre garden with colour themed hot border at front. At rear of house: potager style vegetable garden with raised beds, seasonal colour-themed beds, studio and greenhouse, 20 metre fruit arched walkway, rill, ferns, rockery, collection of hostas, pond. Seating in secluded niches with views to garden. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 22nd April to August for groups of between 10 and 22.

Coombe Meadow, Newton Abbot

This lost garden, by a beautiful Dartmoor stream was overgrown and neglected. Since 2016 its mature magnolias, camellias, azaleas and other trees have been rescued. Paths and ponds have been cleared, archaeology preserved, borders created, bridges and terraces repaired and over 15,000 bulbs planted. The meadows contain wild daffodils and bluebells, so in spring the garden is a kaleidoscope of colour. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September for groups of between 6 and 24.

Haldon Grange, Exeter

Peaceful, well established 19 acre garden, parts dating back to 1770s. This hidden gem boasts one of the largest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and camellias. Interspersed with mature and rare trees and complemented by a lake and cascading ponds. 6 acre arboretum, large lilac circle, wisteria pergola with views over Woodbury completes this family run treasure. Plant sale, teas and home bakes (cash only) open at other times. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 16th March to 2nd June for groups of 10+.

Hall Farm, Lynton

C16 Longhouse set in 2 acres of tranquil, mature, south-facing gardens. To the front is a small enclosed garden opening out into other gardens with architectural plants and a lake walk. Beyond, are natural wild plants. In farm fields, indigenous rare breed Whitebred Shorthorn cattle may be grazing. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September.

Halscombe Farm, Exeter

Farmhouse garden created over last 11 yrs. Large collection of old roses and peonies, long and colourful mixed borders, productive fruit cage and vegetable garden all set within a wonderful borrowed landscape. Opens for By Arrangement visits from May to September.

Harbour Lights, Bideford

½ acre colourful garden with Lundy views. A garden of wit, humour, unusual ideas, installation art, puzzles, volcano and many surprises. Water features, shrubs, foliage area, grasses in an unusual setting, fernery, bonsai and polytunnel, plus masses of colourful plants. Opens for By Arrangement visits from June to 5th August for groups of between 12 and 40.

The Haven, Wembury

½ acre sloping plantsman’s garden in South Hams AONB. Tearoom and seating areas. 2 ponds. Substantial collection of large flowering Asiatic and hybrid tree magnolias. Large collection of camellias inc Camellia reticulata. Rare dwarf, weeping and slow growing conifers. Daphnes, early azaleas and rhododendrons, spring bulbs and hellebores. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 18th March to 1st May for groups of between 10 and 30.

Heathercombe, nr Bovey Tracye

Enjoy our daffodils, extensive bluebells, large collection of colourful rhododendrons, azaleas and many unusual specimen trees and shrubs, wildflower meadow and cottage garden with a leisurely stroll beside streams and ponds and through woodland, ‘parkland’, gardens and orchard, with many benches and summerhouses where you can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of Heathercombe’s natural setting. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 25th March to October.

Higher Cherubeer, Winkleigh

1¾ acre country garden with gravelled courtyard and paths, raised beds, alpine house, lawns, herbaceous borders, woodland beds with naturalised cyclamen and snowdrops, kitchen garden with large greenhouse and orchard. Winter openings for National Collection of Cyclamen species, hellebores and over 400 snowdrop varieties. Opens for By Arrangement visits from February to 20 October for groups of 10+.

Higher Tippacott Farm, Lynton

Alt 950ft with lovely views. Overlooking its own pretty valley pasture, stream and large pond. Sunny interlinking lawned areas with interesting herbaceous planting, stone walls and old barns; all blending with the surroundings. Young apple trees. Vegetable patch high up with distant sea glimpse. Organic for 28 yrs. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September.

Higher Orchard Cottage, Paignton

Two acre garden with generous colourful herbaceous borders, wildlife pond, specimen trees and shrubs, productive vegetable beds and grass path walks through wildflower meadows in lovely countryside. Each year we host art and craft installations by local artists and crafters. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September for groups of up to 20.

Kia-Ora Farm & Gardens, Cullompton

Charming, peaceful 10 acre garden with lawns, lakes and ponds. Water features with swans, ducks and other wildlife. Mature trees, shrubs, rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, roses, herbaceous borders and rockeries. Nursery avenue, novelty crazy golf. Stroll leisurely around and finish by sitting back, enjoying a traditional home-made Devonshire cream tea or choose from the wide selection of cakes! Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September.

Lee Ford, Budleigh Salterton

Extensive, formal and woodland garden, largely developed in 1950s, but recently much extended with mass displays of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, inc many rare varieties. Traditional walled garden filled with fruit and vegetables, herb garden, bog garden, hydrangea collection, greenhouses for ornamentals, conservatory with pot plants inc pelargoniums, bougainvilleas and coleus. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to October for groups of up to 30.

Lewis Cottage, nr Crediton

4 acre garden located on SW facing slope in rural mid Devon. Evolved primarily over last 30 yrs, harnessing and working with the natural landscape. Using informal planting and natural formal structures to create a garden that reflects the souls of those who garden in it, it is an incredibly personal space that is a joy to share. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 18 May to 8 September for groups of between 12 and 24.

Little Ash Bungalow, Honiton

Country garden of 1½ acres, packed with different and unusual bulbs, herbaceous perennials, trees, and shrubs. Designed for year-round interest, wildlife and owners’ pleasure. Naturalistic planting in colour coordinated mixed borders, highlighted by metal sculptures, providing foreground to the view. Natural stream, pond and damp woodland area, mini wildlife meadows and raised gravel/alpine garden. Opens for By Arrangement visits from May to September for groups of 10+.

Middle Well, Totnes

Tranquil 2 acre garden plus woodland and streams contain a wealth of interesting plants chosen for colour, form and long season of interest. Many seats from which to enjoy the sound of water. Interesting structural features (rill, summerhouse, pergola, cobbling, slate bridge). Heady mix of perennials, shrubs, bulbs, climbers and specimen trees. Late colour. Vegetable garden. Child friendly. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to October.

The Mount, Delamore

Welcome one of the first signs of spring by wandering through swathes of thousands of snowdrops in this lovely wood. Closer to the village than to Delamore Gardens, paths meander through a sea of these lovely plants, some of which are unique to Delamore and which were sold as posies to Covent Garden market as late as 2002. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 10th February to 25th February.

Old Crebor Farm, Tavistock

Traditional cottage planting around a pretty mid C18 farmhouse with stone walls, streams, bridges, ponds and terracing. Wonderful views of the valley and Dartmoor. Mature wood, orchard, wisteria, vine and walled garden. 3 acres of sloping wildflower meadows with mown paths for a stroll. Lots of spots to rest and enjoy. Supporting biodiversity and coping with climate change a focus. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September for groups of 6+.

Old Glebe, Chulmleigh

7 acre gardens surrounding Georgian rectory. Magnificent display of rhododendrons and azaleas in May. Many interesting mature trees. Walled Long Border and new herbaceous beds. Productive ‘no dig’ kitchen and cutting garden. ‘Messenger’ greenhouse (1929) being restored. Small newly planted orchard. Wildflower meadow with mown paths to gazebo and suspension bridge. Series of ponds. Opens for By Arrangement visits from March to September for groups of up to 20.

Pounds, Cullompton

Cottage garden of lawns, colourful borders and roses, set within low flint walls with distant views. Slate paths lead through an acer grove to a swimming pool, amid scented borders. Beyond lies a traditional ridge and furrow orchard, with a rose hedge, where apple, pear, plum and cherries grow among ornamental trees. Further on, an area of raised beds combine vegetables with flowers for cutting. Opens for By Arrangement visits from May to September for groups of between 10 and 20.

Regency House, Hemyock

5 acre plantsman’s garden approached across a little ford. Many interesting and unusual trees and shrubs. Visitors can try their hand at identifying plants with the very comprehensive and amusing plant list. Plenty of space to eat your own picnic. Walled vegetable and fruit garden, lake, ponds, bog plantings and sweeping lawns. Horses, Dexter cattle and Jacob sheep. A tranquil space to relax in. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 15th April to October for groups of between 10 and 25.

Rudd Cottage, Barnstaple

In a peaceful Exmoor valley an informal and diverse garden blended into the surrounding rural and woodland landscape. 1 acre garden and 8 further acres of fields, ponds and streams to explore, and picnic. Spring flowers are followed by a succession of flowering trees and shrubs, mature rhododendrons, Cornus kousa and perennial plants. There are 30+ shrub roses plus many others. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to September for groups of up to 15.

Samlingstead, Woolacombe

Garden is within 2 mins of N Devon coastline and Woolacombe AONB. 6 distinct areas; cottage garden at front, patio garden to one side, swallows garden at rear, meadow garden, orchard and field (500m walk with newly planted hedgerow). Opens for By Arrangement visits from 4th March to 5th October.

Sherwood, Exeter

23 acres, 2 steep wooded valleys. Wild flowers, spring bulbs, especially daffodils; extensive collections of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, berberis, heathers, maples, cotoneasters, buddleias, hydrangeas, cornus and epimedium. Collections of magnolias, Knaphill azaleas and berberis. Regret no dogs. Suitable footwear required due to areas of steep terrain. Opens for By Arrangement visits all year.

Shutelake, Cullompton

Shutelake is a working farm. The garden melds subtly with surrounding landscape, in the way its terraces complement the tumbling Devon countryside. Formal close to the house, with a Mediterranean feel. Terraced borders full of warm perennials in summer. Beyond, a natural pond teeming with wildlife feeds the Burn stream. Woodland paths and sculptures. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 30th April to 28th September for groups of between 10 and 20.

Springfield House, Colyford

1 acre garden with mainly new planting. Numerous beds, majority of plants from cuttings and seed keeping cost to minimum, full of colour spring to autumn. Vegetable garden, fruit cage and orchard with ducks and chickens. Large formal pond. Wonderful views over River Axe and path to bird sanctuary, which is well worth a visit, leads from the garden. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 15th March to 1st October for groups of between 10 and 30.

Squirrels, Torquay

Plantsman’s small town environmental garden, landscaped with small ponds and 7ft waterfall. Interlinked through abutilons to Japanese, Italianate, Spanish, tropical areas. Specialising in fruit inc peaches, figs, kiwi. Tender plants inc bananas, tree fern, brugmansia, lantanas, oleanders. Collection of fuchsia, dahlias, abutilons, bougainvillea. Environmental and Superclass Gold Medal Winners. Opens for By Arrangement visits for July.

Stone Farm, Bideford

1 acre country garden with striking herbaceous borders, dry stone wall terracing, white garden, hot garden and dahlia beds. Extensive fully organic vegetable gardens with polytunnels and ¼ acre walled garden, together with an orchard with traditional apples and pears. Opens for By Arrangement visits for groups of between 10 and 20.

Stonelands House, Dawlish

Beautiful 12 acre pleasure garden surrounding early C19 property designed by John Nash. Many mature specimen trees, shrubs and rhododendrons, large formal lawn, recently landscaped herbaceous beds, vegetable garden, woodland garden, orchard with wildflower meadow and riverside walk. An atmospheric and delightful horticultural secret. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to 28th June for groups of between 10 and 20.

Sutton Mead, Newton Abbot

A large garden with splendid views of Dartmoor. Remote yet only a dozen miles from Exeter, Okehampton and Newton Abbot. A constantly colourful garden. Wander through tranquil woodland. Lawns surround a granite lined pond with a seat at the water’s edge. Elsewhere unusual planting, grasses, bog garden, granite walls, rill fed pond, secluded seating and an unusual concrete gothic greenhouse all contribute to a garden of variety that has been developed and constructed over 45 yrs by the current owners. Opens By Arrangement all year for groups of all sizes.

Torview, Newton Abbot

Owned by two semi-retired horticulturists: Mediterranean formal front garden with wisteria clad Georgian house and small alpine house. Rear courtyard with tree ferns, pots/troughs, lean-to 7m conservatory with tender plants and climbers. Steps to 30x20m walled garden – flowers, vegetables and trained fruit. Shade tunnel of woodland plants. Many rare and unusual plants. Opens for By Arrangement visits from April to 25th October for groups of between 10 and 25.

Weston House, Sidmouth

This stunning garden is a delightful surprise to visit. It is steeply sloping (lots of steps!) east-facing, providing ever-changing views across the valleys and towards the sea. We rarely get frosts (fingers crossed) which allows for some adventurous plant choices. Lots of different areas inc gravel garden, meadow, woodland area with wildlife pond. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 20th February to September for groups of between 6 and 20.

Whitstone Farm, Bovey Tracey

Nearly 4 acres of steep hillside garden with stunning views of Haytor and Dartmoor. Snowdrops start in January followed by bluebells throughout the garden. Arboretum planted 45 yrs ago, over 200 trees from all over the world inc magnolias, camellias, acers, alders, betula, davidias and sorbus. Always colour in the garden and wonderful tree bark. Major plantings of rhododendrons and cornus. Late flowering eucryphia (National Collection) and hydrangeas. Opens for By Arrangement visits from 17th February to September for groups of up to 25.

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