Devon and The Eden Project NEW DATE

We depart Sussex and make our way west. Having made a suitable stop for lunch we arrive in Axminster to discover a little gem of a garden that has featured on Gardeners World. This 1 acre plantsman's garden is hidden behind high stone walls with views of The Axe Valley. Its borders are well stocked with rare shrubs, many reckoned to be borderline tender. 200 varieties of salvia, and other late summer perennials including, Rudbeckia, Helenium, Echinacea, Helianthus, Crocosmia and grasses creating a riot of colour. Later we continue to our hotel where we arrive late afternoon.

This morning we have a short journey to Middle Well Garden where Neil and Pamela Millward have created their garden from scratch over the last 15 years, doing much of the hard graft of wall-building, clearing rubble and making beds themselves. It has expanded organically over time and now contains a rich mixture of plant material in a variety of habitats. Wet and dry woodland areas, an arboretum and a goose field form the outer limits of the property whilst nearer the house are sheltered, inviting areas densely planted with perennials and shrubs. Many cornus varieties thrive here, a purple bed looks spectacular in May with alliums and astrantia, later with achillea, lupins, eupatorium and actaea. A red bed is taking shape and a yellow/white area lights up darker days. In the woodland garden, acers, hammamaelis, hydrangea species and hostas feature. Everywhere there is the sound of water, gently flowing along the rill or down the stream. There are many strategically placed seats from which to enjoy the peaceful feel of the garden, the trickle of water and waving grasses. This afternoon we make our way to Fast Rabbit Farm. Fast Rabbit Garden by way of a contrast to this morning’s visit occupies 43 acres of the secluded Strawberry Valley. Nurtured since 1991, it is probably the largest garden featuring acid-loving plants in the county.  Here they try to bring you a flavour of the garden in each season and an impression of the range of habitats which are home to a vast family of plants, birds and other creatures. You will certainly be stunned by the vivid blooms and also soothed by the ever-present sound of water as it splashes, trickles and cascades through the valley.

This morning we head to Cornwall and The Eden Project now in its 18th year where we shall see just how this amazing site has matured and developed in that time. Here you will experience the sights, smells and scale of the rainforests in the Rainforest Biome - the world's largest greenhouse - and discover the tropical plants that are used to produce everyday products. Travel to South Africa and California, as you amble amongst the orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled vines of the Mediterranean Biome, and in the 30-acre Outdoor Garden see hemp, sunflowers and other plants that could change your future, flourishing under the Cornish sun.

This morning we travel out to Dartmoor where we visit Heathercombe. The woodland and cottage gardens extend over 30 acres and include hundreds of well-labelled specimen trees and shrubs, including 100 varieties of rhododendron, and over 1½ miles of woodland walks and paths. In recent years the gardens have been extended and now include the cottage garden, orchard and wild flower meadow. ,Later this morning we make our way back to Torquay where you will be able to enjoy a free afternoon

After breakfast we depart our hotel and commence our homeward journey. Having made a suitable stop, we break our journey for a lunchtime stop at one of Dorset's finest places to visit, Kingston Lacy House and Gardens NT. Following extensive restoration you can explore the 17th century formal gardens, avenues and tree nursery, which burst into life during the spring and summer months, with a spectacular display of azalea, camellia, rhododendron and flowering cherry trees. As you explore see the vision created by Henrietta Bankes whose imagination and determination created Lady’s Walk, the Fernery and the Japanese Garden. Visit the restored Victorian Kitchen Garden with its glasshouses and Community Growing Spaces. Later we continue our journey arriving back in the Felbridge area by approximately 18.30