Gardens in South West England
South West England is home to many garden gems that range from the stately and formal to jungle like ravines with palm trees and 'subtropical' plants. Many of the subtropical plants in Devon and Cornwall were brought back as specimens from the Caribbean and the Americas over 300 years ago. Thanks to the gulf stream, these specimens are still flourishing today.
Wiltshire
Stourhead, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire
Begin your tour in Wiltshire with the outstanding 18th century landscape garden of Stourhead. The garden is set around a lake with classical temples, elegant bridges, picturesque grottoes and superb vistas at every turn. Amongst the exotic trees are tulip trees and swamp cypress. Massed rhododendrons, azaleas and beeches give superb seasonal colour, whilst winter frosts lend a magical effect.
The Peto Garden, at Iford Manor, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Wiltshire is also home to Iford Manor. Here, architect Harold Peto designed his steep valley garden with a strong Italianate framework, with cypress and junipers punctuated by sarcophagi, fountains, marble seats loggias and statues. There are also romantic cloisters with breathtaking valley views, a wild meadow of naturalised lilies and a walled kitchen garden.
Dorset
Athelhampton House Gardens, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset
South west in Dorset is Athelhampton. This delightful 15th century house, set on the river Piddle, is set amid velvet lawns, herbaceous borders and striking statuary. The Great Court, with its 12 giant yew pyramids, displays beautiful stonework in its walls and arches. There are also fountains, pools, lovely walled gardens, a canal with water lilies and a pleached lime walk.
Somerset
Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset
Drive further west to experience Hestercombe Gardens. These formal gardens are a supreme example of the partnership of architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll, with superb features including a canal, fountains, orangery and beautiful stonework offset by stunning planting. Adjacent to the formal gardens is an 18th century landscape garden, currently undergoing restoration, complete with lakes, cascades and classical buildings.
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