Lookout Landscapes

Enjoy a visit to the garden that TV presenter Carol Klein
described as ‘truly inspirational’

Open annually as part of The National Garden Scheme, which raises millions each year for charities including Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support and Help The Hospices, the garden at The Lookout, Lympstone is also open by appointment throughout the summer and autumn.

Featured on BBC & ITV Gardening programmes and in the local media, this 2 acre, wildlife friendly garden sits with its toes in the water close to the mouth of the Exe Estuary. This vast tidal area, famous for its birdlife, is designated an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an International Ramsar site and National Nature Reserve. Tucked away on the eastern edge of the picturesque and historic fishing village of Lympstone, The Lookout occupies what used to be the derelict 1920s-built mussel purification station.

The site has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years. Its garden designer owner has endeavoured to make the house disappear back into the estuary bank, landscaping with natural materials and including numerous indigenous species in the planting scheme.

Beachcombing finds compliment the relaxed naturalistic seaside planting, designed to harmonise the garden with its coast and countryside surroundings. Quirky driftwood sculptures and maritime artefacts sit amongst hummocky drifts of planting to evoke the nearby sand dunes and give that washed up from the beach feel. Over 200 varieties of carefully selected plants, sea trialled for their salt and wind tolerance, enjoy the challenges of coastal living!

A short circular walk leads you from an area of jungly planting, past banks of ornamental grasses, along the wild flower meadow’s mown paths, past a pond into a fern-filled copse and then back through wilder shore-side planting to a Mediterranean-style courtyard garden. Take your time… there are numerous places to stop and enjoy the extensive views and estuary birdlife, and take in the salty air.

VISITORS COMMENTS

Over 3,000 people have visited the garden since it was first opened for charity in 2008. Here’s what a few of them have written in the visitors book.

“A mini holiday” S Rowe, Exeter

“Everyone was delighted to see your garden creation …and to hear how you developed the site to produce such a stunning garden. Most of us were overwhelmed by the size of your project and how you had achieved such effective and natural planting. Thank you for your hospitality and an exceptionally interesting tour” S Bolden, Topsham Flower Club

“Wonderful garden of seashore plants. A taste of the Scilly Isles” A Turner, Exmouth

“A unique and inspiring experience of the estuary framed at every corner” A Long, Royal Institute of British Architects

OPEN DATES 2013

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

Friday 7th June 2-5pm
Sunday 9th June 2-6pm

Admission – adults £4, children free but must be accompanied.

Cream Teas, Plant Sale and for children a giant sandpit with buckets & spades for sandcastle building. Photographic display showing how the site has evolved from the 1920s to the present day.

PARKING Sign posted parking in adjacent field if weather permits. Otherwise please park in the village car park, a 6 minute walk away.Adjacent new Exe Cycle Trail to Exmouth – plenty of bike parking on site.

Map & full details on www.ngs.org.uk

PRIVATE TOURS FOR CLUBS, SOCIETIES & GROUPS

May – October. Weekday & evening openings for Clubs, Societies & Groups of 10+
Admission £4 per person to include a personal tour & talk by the designer.
Refreshments can be provided by arrangement.
Free on-site car parking. Selection of plants for sale.
To arrange a tour please contact Jackie Michelmore on 07866 580471 or email jm@lookoutlandscapes.co.uk

BY APPOINTMENT

May – October. Weekday openings by prior arrangement.
Admission – adults £4, children free but must be accompanied.
Free on-site parking.
To arrange a visit please contact Jackie Michelmore on 07866 580471 or email jm@lookoutlandscapes.co.uk