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Babbs Farm

A 1½ acre plantsman's garden on Somerset Levels, gradually created out of fields surrounding old farmhouse over last 30 yrs and still being developed. Trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials have been planted with an eye for form, foliage and shape in big flowing borders. The garden now consists of several interconnected areas, to suit a range of plants with diverse requirements.

Owner Info

  • Sue & Richard O'Brien
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm
Babbs Farm

About Babbs Farm

Since moving in 1990 to our three windswept acres of thick limey clay on the Somerset Levels, we have gradually created a garden in the 1½ acres nearest the house, a haven for ourselves and a variety of wildlife. Through extensive soil conditioning with manure and grit we now have several interconnected formal and informal areas, for plants with diverse requirements. Those which flourish in rich damp conditions, including Aruncus, Hostas, Rheums, Siberian Irises, Cimicifugas and Thalictrums, seem particularly to appreciate our efforts. Although there are plenty of flowers to enjoy throughout the year, we have chosen shrubs and herbaceous perennials for their shape and foliage, in bold, flowing borders.
A conservatory of shade-loving tender plants looks onto the south facing patio and Round Lawn, a sanctuary sheltered on three sides and featuring large structural shrubs (golden dogwood, Cercis, tree peony, golden philadelphus) closely under-planted with herbaceous perennials.
The more formal Round Pond has sun-lovers on the house side, and Rodgersias, ostrich feather ferns and Rheums in the damp shade under the willow.
Through an arch in the privet hedge is the formal Box Garden of four rectangular beds, each centred by a tiered Cornus alternifolia variegata. The old brick wall at one end of the Box garden provides an ideal home for many tender salvias. A new addition is a beautiful glasshouse for more salvias.
At the other end of the Box garden is the Woodland Bed, where various ferns are now established under the ash trees, leading on to the recently planted Field of Trees and a wildlife pond. Our latest project is to turn some of the ‘long grass’ areas in the Field of Trees into Mediterranean-style borders.
Come in May and June to see Hostas and Rheums at their pristine best, along with the early salvias and Eryngiums, and in September for the later tender salvias, Persicarias, Sanguisorbas, Vernonias and all manner of yellow daisies.

Babbs Farm features

Location details

Babbs Farm,
Highbridge,
Somerset,
TA9 4RF

Directions to Babbs Farm
Turn into Westhill Ln off B3141 (Church Rd), 100yds S of where it joins B3139 (Wells-Highbridge road).

Babbs Farm openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £8.00
Child: Free
Opening times 14:00-17:00

Accessibility

  • No information available at this time, please get in touch with the owners for details.
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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Sorry, there is no available parking for coaches at Babbs Farm at this time.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Babbs Farm, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Sorry, Babbs Farm does not yet accommodate wheelchair users.

Yes. Babbs Farm seeks to offer a sustainable refuge for nearby fauna and wildlife. These sanctuaries host diverse habitats supporting indigenous flora and fauna and nurturing local biodiversity.