Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buckland-abbey-buckland-monachorum-yelverton"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buckland Abbey</a>, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/bucklandabbeychspring.jpg" alt="white blossom tree at Buckland Abbey at Yelverton in Devon" class="wp-image-21181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/bucklandabbeychspring.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/bucklandabbeychspring-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/bucklandabbeychspring-720x405.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/bucklandabbeychspring-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Head to the 700-year old home of Sir Frances Drake and the Cider House for the wild area and kitchen garden. Things to spot en route include sheep – of the wire and real kind – herons, magnolias and covetable trained fruit trees and wisteria on the house walls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk">Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens</a>, Ash nr Dartmouth</h2>



<p>An under-the-radar gem in the Strawberry Valley area of the South Hams with flowering cherries, and a range of rhodos, magnolia and azalea, ponds and vistas. Lots of good plant ideas for people gardening on acidic soils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marwood-hill-gardens-barnstaple"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Marwood Hill Gardens (opens in a new tab)" href="https://marwoodhillgarden.co.uk" target="_blank">Marwood Hill Gardens</a>, Barnstaple</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill.jpg" alt="Flowerbeds and flowering trees at Marwood Hill gardens in Devon" class="wp-image-41640" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/03/marwood-hill-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic credit: Marwood Hill Gardens </figcaption></figure>



<p>The words &#8216;bog garden&#8217; may not inspire but hey, it&#8217;s here the springtime magic happens at this 20-acre valley garden, as it blooms with a rainbow of floral treasures. Marwood hold numerous national collections, including heritage collections of spring beauties, including camellia, magnolia, rhodos and cornus. Well worth a wander at this time of year. Open daily from Fri 1 April, £9.50pp, under 12s free.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhs-rosemoor-great-torrington"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="RHS Rosemoor (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor/Articles/visiting-the-garden" target="_blank">RHS Rosemoor</a>, Great Torrington </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="940" height="627" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/rhs-cherrygarden.jpg" alt="white flowering cherry tree at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington in Devon" class="wp-image-54562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/rhs-cherrygarden.jpg 940w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/rhs-cherrygarden-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/rhs-cherrygarden-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/rhs-cherrygarden-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic credit: RHS Rosemoor</figcaption></figure>



<p>The place to be at Royal Horticultural Society&#8217;s south west outpost right now is obviously The Cherry Garden, a riot of pink and white blossom. Open daily or join them for a spot of <em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/719572460378218/719572467044884/?ref=newsfeed&amp;locale=en_GB">shinrin-yoku</a> </em>(forest bathing ) on 13 May.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://burrowfarmgardens.co.uk">Burrow Farm Gardens</a>, Axminster</h2>



<p>Voted The Nation&#8217;s Favourite Public Garden&nbsp;in 2021, this hidden gem has a small plant nursery, tea rooms and a stunning glade with flowering Azaleas and Rhododendrons in the spring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-killerton-house-nr-exeter"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Killerton House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton" target="_blank">Killerton House</a>, nr Exeter</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="841" height="841" src="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor.jpg" alt="daffodils and cherry tree with the Bear House at Killerton in Devon" class="wp-image-21189" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor.jpg 841w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/03/killerton-bear-hut-fotor-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic credit: National Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>This National Trust lovely has loads to see in spring, with over 100 rhodos, magnolias and awesome views out over the rolling Devon countryside. Don&#8217;t miss the quirky thatched 19th century Bear’s Hut (pictured) at the end of the lawn which once housed a poor bear called Tom, brought to Killerton by the 12<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;Baronet’s brother from Canada.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenway-galmpton"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway/features/greenway-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Greenway (opens in a new tab)">Greenway</a>, Galmpton</h2>



<p>As with most National Trust properties that were once someone’s home, half the fun is imagining you lived here and Agatha Christie’s former holiday home would do nicely, thank you. Get your blossom fix from the hawthorn in the woodland walks and the walled garden, and restored Peach House, at 120ft one of the longest in Devon where peaches, apricots and nectarines are in bloom. It’s timed entry and you need to book and it’s worth having a think about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway/features/visiting-greenway-what-you-need-to-know#River" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how you get there</a>, as instead of the car, it’s much more fun, and spectacular, arriving by boat or ferry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coleton-fishacre-kingswear"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Coleton Fishacre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre/features/coleton-fishacre-garden" target="_blank">Coleton Fishacre</a>, Kingswear</h2>



<p>Blending formal terraces with woodland walks and astonishing sea views, the former Arts &amp; Crafts home of the D&#8217;Oyly Carte family is wonderfully exotic with palms and canna lilies. The Seemly Terrace and Scout Point Path is blossom-tactic now with its canopy of Japanese cherry blossom, perfect for a spot of <em>hanami</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://castlehilldevon.co.uk/gardens-castle-hill-devon/">Castle Hill Gardens</a>, Barnstaple</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-54592" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/castle-hill-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic credit Castle Hill Gardens </figcaption></figure>



<p>Sumptuous spring gardens, bursting with colour and history &#8211; 50 acres set against an 18th century Palladian house. Go for woodland walks among daffodils, primroses, rhododendrons and the longest camellia hedge in the UK, plus magnificent views of Exmoor, Dartmoor and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OVER THE BORDER</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cotehele-saltash"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotehele</a>, Saltash</strong></h2>



<p>Cotehele’s orchards are amongst the earliest in the country to blossom each year. You’ll find cherry as well as pear and plum, each with its own distinctive blossom from late March through to April and May.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.heligan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lost Gardens of Heligan</a>, Pentewan, St Austell</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="998" height="668" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Dovecot-Lawn-©Heligan-Gardens-Ltd-Julian-Stephens.jpg" alt="magnolia at Heligan Gardens in Cornwall" class="wp-image-54583" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Dovecot-Lawn-©Heligan-Gardens-Ltd-Julian-Stephens.jpg 998w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Dovecot-Lawn-©Heligan-Gardens-Ltd-Julian-Stephens-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Dovecot-Lawn-©Heligan-Gardens-Ltd-Julian-Stephens-768x514.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Dovecot-Lawn-©Heligan-Gardens-Ltd-Julian-Stephens-784x525.jpg 784w" sizes="(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dovecot Lawn ©Heligan Gardens Ltd Julian Stephens</figcaption></figure>



<p>Experience the awakening of their fabulous collection of historic shrubs and explore the ‘National Collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons introduced to Heligan pre-1920’ – Heligan’s expert gardeners have helped produce a self-guided trail that will take you on a journey around the garden, taking in beauties like the tree above.</p>



<p><strong><a href="https://visit.caerhays.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caerhays Castle Gardens</a>, Gorran, St Austell</strong></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Caerhays-4.jpg" alt="magnolia flowers at Caerhays Castle in Cornwall " class="wp-image-54586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Caerhays-4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Caerhays-4-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Caerhays-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2023/03/Caerhays-4-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Magnolia Mania 2019
Caerhays Castle
Cornwall</figcaption></figure>



<p>On the south coast near St Austell you’ll find the magnificent gardens and Grade II listed 140 acre woodland at Caerhays, often described as a spring-time wonderland for visitors. Home to a National Magnolia Collection, the collection even houses a 100 year old Magnolia tree. The gardens also feature many rhododendrons, camellias and trees which are nationally classed as Champion Trees by the Tree Register.</p>



<p><strong><em>Want more green-fingered inspo?</em> <em><a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/most-read/muddy-meets-bbc-gardeners-world-frances-tophill/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet the Queen of Green, BBC Gardener&#8217;s World&#8217;s Frances Tophill</a>.</em></strong></p>


Spring watch: where to get your blossom fix in Devon

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