The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook
Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, TQ12 5UL
Visits by guided tour only. Booking essential.
www.theitaliangarden.org 
Discover a long-forgotten garden showcasing the Edwardian fashion for Italianate gardens. This secluded space was created due to lack of acceptance at the time for those who weren’t heterosexual, and so provided a place to ‘socialise and relax without restraint’. Neglected and hidden away for years, today the garden’s unusual structures are being restored by a team of volunteers, with the mission to give this garden a sustainable future, showcasing exotic planting and a mediterranean atmosphere. Visits are by appointment only and led by knowledgeable volunteer guides who share fascinating stories about the garden, its owner, and restoration plans.

Embercombe 
Higher Ashton, Exeter, Devon EX6 7QQ
www.embercombe.org
Nurturing nature is at the heart of every action on this 50-acre rewilding estate on the edge of Dartmoor. While not a garden in the traditional sense, Embercombe has been created to help cultivate a deep inner connection with nature – both around us and within us. This year marks 25 years of rewilding, and owner Mac is inviting people to their anniversary celebration on 27th April where you can get stuck in with workshops, land-based working parties, music and food. A coach will run from Exeter St Davids to help with transport. Find out more at www.embercombe.org/25-anniversary

Burrow Farm Gardens
Dalwood, Axminster, EX13 7ET 
Open: 1st April – 31st October
www.burrowfarmgardens.co.uk 
Discover East Devon’s secret garden, boasting 13-acres of colour year-round, a variety of planting styles and techniques, and the unique Grasses Garden created to celebrate 50 years of gardening on the farm (now over 60!). The Wildflower Meadow is one of the newest additions and still evolving, with over 250 wild orchids added. Find The Shy Maiden – a statue in which a garden of roses surrounds, originally built in 1985.

RHS Rosemoor
Great Torrington, EX38 8PH
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor 
A magical blend of formal and informal planting over 65-acres awaits at Devon’s only RHS garden – one of only five in the UK. Nestled in the Torridge Valley, Rosemoor is home to a diverse range of plants providing a year-round spectacle. In spring particularly, visitors can marvel at the cherry blossom and see Japanese cherries saved from extinction, enjoy vivid colour in the Stone Garden, and camellias in full flower. There’s so much variety to see: woodland gardens with excellent views, community allotments, exotic and mediterranean gardens, orchards, plus sculpture trail and national plant collections – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters are available to hire.
All images © RHS Rosemoor

Wildside Garden
Buckland Monachorum, PL20 7NP
Open: Selected weekends, 5th April – 10th November
www.wileyatwildside.com 
From a three-acre flat field to an undulating haven – Keith Wiley, ex-head gardener of The Garden House, has worked in harmony with nature inspired by sights from around the world. See native and exotic plants, tranquil ponds, and a variety of wildlife cultivated into three distinct areas – the courtyard, the lower garden, and the 25ft high canyons. The Canyons are also home to the Tribute Garden, a landscape for life dedicated to Keith’s wife Ros who passed away in 2019. A two-tier pavilion has been constructed as a centrepiece, with the hope of upgrading to create a place of respite for garden-loving cancer sufferers, and Keith is appealing for donations to bring this to fruition.

National Open Garden Scheme
Explore private gardens usually closed to the public and raise money for charity in the process. Last year, over £3m was donated to nursing and health charities across the UK – money entirely raised by garden owners and volunteers who hosted over 3,000 open gardens days. With entry from just £6, can you help raise more in 2024? Here are a few of our picks locally:

Haldon Grange, Dunchideock – See a huge collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias at this large 19-acre garden dating back to 1770s. Add in cascading ponds, rare trees and a vast arboretum and you’ve got a peaceful paradise. Open selected days between March and June.

Kia-Ora Farm & Gardens, Cullompton – Find peace at this 10-acre garden boasting stunning lawns, lakes and ponds with fantastic water features and wildlife. There’s even a novelty crazy golf course! Open on selected Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from April to September.

Heathercombe, Manaton – Tranquillity at its most defined. Enjoy this woodland and waterside setting with natural colour from extensive bluebells and daffodils, plus so much more. Open by arrangement from March to October.

Perhaps you’d like to open your garden up to the public? Find out more at www.ngs.org.uk or find open gardens near you at www.findagarden.ngs.org.uk