Picture of David Maddock

David Maddock

Sunny Autumnal day out at RHS Rosemoor, Devon

 It was coming to the end of Ocotber and i think that it  must have been raining for most of the last few weeks. Feeling that  it was time for a cheering up, i had a look at the weather forecast on my phone. To my delight, a break in the rain was  forecasted, along with autumnal sunshine and light winds for the week ahead. That was my cue to book up a trip to rhs rosemoor, the gardens located near Torrington, Devon. This would be my third visit to rosemoor and my first time in the autumn. Nearing the day, i was keeping a good eye on the weather, the initial day that was booked  had to changed due to rain being forecasted. I only had to pospone for one day, but come the sunday i thought that this trip isn’t going to happen. This was the day that the new lockdown restrictions were announced, sure as eggs i thought that they would be implemented straight away. Thankfully the restictions were not coming in until thursday and my day was the wednesday. There was no need  to have been concerned, as i found out that the gardens were going to stay open over the lockdown period.

My chosen day arrived and the weather forecast was spot on. Beautiful blue skys, hardly any wind with a little bit of a chill in the air. Rosemoor is about a fifty mile drive from Plymouth, taking you through Tavistock over Dartmoor and into north devon heading for Torrington. The drive takes about an hour and a half, depending what you get stuck behind, but i had left early enough the weather was lovely, so just enjoy the drive.

I arrived at Rosemoor at the allotted time of 10am, the garden is nestled in a valley covering over 65 acres and surrounded by  100 acres of woodland. As a member of the rhs, I get free entry to their gardens, which is a bonus if you visit regularly throughout the year.

As i said earlier this was my third visit to the garden, if you have never been before i would suggest getting a map at the reception as there is a lot to take in spread over a large area, also make sure that you have the appropriate clothing for the weather as it is mostly outdoors. So with walking boots on, camera bag checked of i went. After checking in, my first destination would take me down an avenue which is in a westerly direction to six gardens which are all segregated by immaculate trimmed yew hedging. The gardens are themed for seasonal change and on this vist it was the beautiful ornamental grasses that caught the eye. Traveling through gardens you will come across the man made waterway with beautiful planting on its banks. There is a lovely secluded sitting area, where you just sit back and admire.

Carrying on i followed the signpost to take me down to the lake. This walk takes you through woodland and a play area for the kids. During this part of the garden you will pass some impressive trees and the borders are full of shrubs and plants. It is so helpful that all of the species are clearly named for easy identification.

The lake was stunning with the autumnal sunshine giving lovely reflections on the lake, giving a feeling of tranquility. Moving on again through the meadow and the orchard, it took me to the fruit and vegetable garden. A very impressive display of very large pumpkins and flower pot people were on view. Through then to the mediterranean gardens to admire some of the more exotic plants. Working back then through the arboretum and up through the long border to end the day. Apart from the superb planting there other things like the stumpery and sculptures to admire, staff are continuously working on site and are very helpfull. Rest area’s are plentyfull and the pathways are very accesable for disabled.

This visit lasted over four hours and I managed to take quite a few photo’s. Really look forward to my next visit where there will be new plant life on show.

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