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You are here > Visitor Info > More Information > One of the finest gardens in England re-opens for the Summer

One of the finest gardens in England re-opens for the Summer

5th June 2020

Categories: Visitor News

The Garden House, in Buckland Monachorum, Devon, has re-opened at weekends for members and non members for the first time since the global pandemic forced its closure.

The Dartmoor based charity which launched a crowdfunding campaign as part of Crowdfunder.co.uk’s Pay It Forward to raise the vital funds it needs to save it for future generations, is now open to the public on a limited basis on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 11-3pm. Social distancing rules must be observed and to visit people must BOOK A SLOT by clicking this link [here].

Visitors are welcome to bring picnics (as long as they tidy up afterwards - but not pets are allowed.

The online shop is still open on a limited basis, selling memberships and gift vouchers.

The beautiful Devon garden filled with rare and beautiful plants, is looked after by a small and passionate team of staff, students and volunteers, has featured on BBC Gardeners World and is a favourite of Toby Buckland and Carol Klein. It’s become famous for its annual Snowdrop Festival, wildflower meadow and stunning Acer Glade.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/v8J_hrNUGds

The Garden House is owned by The Fortescue Garden Trust, a charity dedicated to continuing to look after the beautiful garden and preserve it for generations to come. The charity aims to be able to continue to share this unique and special place which brings the community together, nurturing a love for nature and educating young and old alike.

The house and gardens that form The Garden House were bought in the 1940s by Lionel and Katharine Fortescue. Over the next 40 years the Fortescues created a garden which was – and continues to be – viewed as one of the finest in Britain.

The Garden House is now run as charity with a social purpose. It aims to help people in respect of:

Education/training
Arts/culture/heritage/science
Environment/conservation/heritage
Recreation

“We’re really pleased to be re-opening and we hope people will really value the garden after its long closure and respect our social distancing rules,” said Karen Willcocks, Operations Manager.