Enjoy our community’s beautiful Open Gardens
After the success of last year’s Open Garden programme, we are pleased to say that our generous community are once again offering a rare opportunity to visit a wonderful range of local Open Gardens between May and September.
This is an exciting chance for you to explore some of the most beautiful and inspiring gardens in South Devon, with over 20 local private gardens opening their gates in Teignmouth, Galmpton, Buckfastleigh, Torquay and other places – all to raise vital funds for the hospice.
So, whether you want to learn more about herbaceous borders, marvel at the colourful floral displays, or sit and relax with a cream tea and a lovely view, there is something for everyone, so please do come along.
Gardens galore for you to explore!
We have a fabulous choice of gardens for you to enjoy (see the full list below).
In Galmpton alone, the Open Gardens trail comprises around a dozen gardens of every shape and size including classic country, amazing ‘show’ gardens, grand formal gardens.
We are very pleased to have some gardens in Buckfastleigh this year, and the stunning gardens at Heathercombe near Manaton are another must see. Goodwill Gardens – a smallholding at Bickington near Newton Abbot – are back on board again this year, with around three acres to explore, including a mix of cottage garden plants, wildflowers and no dig organic beds full of cut flowers, vegetables and soft fruit. This small farm also boasts pet chickens, ducks and micropigs as well as Granny Pat’s tiny farm shop.
In addition, there are community gardens, bee and butterfly-friendly sanctuaries, and gardens with breath-taking sea and estuary views. Browse our Open Gardens below.
Visit our wonderful community Open Gardens at:
- 1 Ashburton Road – Bovey Tracey, 8 July
- Beech Hill – Torquay, 17 June
- Dena’s Garden – Teignmouth, dates in May and June
- Dena’s Garden Fizz ‘n Nibbles – Teignmouth, dates in May and June
- Galmpton Open Gardens – around Galmpton, 11 June
- Goodwill Gardens – Bickington, Newton Abbot, dates in June, July and August
- Heathercombe – Manaton, 30 May – 4 June
- Kingswood House – Buckfastleigh, 4 June
- Ridgehill & 6 Dart Bridge Road – Buckfastleigh, dates in May and July
- Highridge – Teignmouth, 16 September
- Rowcroft Hospice Guided Garden Tours – Torquay, dates in May, July and September
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Cliff House event had to be cancelled.
Funds raised from our Open Garden events will support the hospice in caring for local people living with life-limiting illnesses. To find out more about our Open Gardens events, please call 01803 217450, or email debbi.shotton@rowcrofthospice.org.uk
A few words from Di Feasby...
Di Feasby is a volunteer gardener at the hospice. Her husband Steve was cared for in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit before he passed away.
During our Open Garden weekends here last year, Di and Graham – a member of our Estates Team – gave guided tours of the gardens, and shared snippets of the history of the estate.
These were so successful; a few dates have been included in our programme again this year.
“When my husband Steve was in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit, he loved looking out at the gardens,” says Di. “I love taking people around the grounds now – there is always something different to see. From the scilla and daffodils in the orchard, to the beautiful wildflower Meadow of Memories. Please do come and see them for yourself this year.”
Our Sponsor
We’d like to say a massive thank you to our fabulous sponsor, Majestic Holidays, for supporting Open Gardens.
“Here at Majestic Holidays, we are so proud to support such an important charity in our local community. We know what a special role they play in helping patients and their families at the end of life and it is wonderful to play our part and sponsor the Open Gardens again in 2023.”
– Mark Wright, Owner
