Despite it taking a bashing in this year’s February storms, Jackie & Will have been working hard to ensure that their garden at The Lookout looks ship shape again in time for the NGS openings on the 6th & 8th of June.
Featured on TV & in the local press, this 2-acre garden sits with its toes in the water near the mouth of the Exe Estuary. First developed in the 1920s as a purification station to save Lympstone’s ailing shellfish industry, the site at Sowden End has been transformed from a derelict site into a wildlife friendly, family garden over the last 10 or so years.
Salvaged flotsam and jetsam sits amongst relaxed, naturalistic seaside planting to give that washed up from the beach feel. Over 200 varieties plants, sea-trialled for their salt, wind & drought tolerance, enjoy the challenges of coastal living.
A short circular walk leads you from an area of jungly planting through a wild flower meadow to a pond then winds through a small copse and back above the shore to a Mediterranean courtyard, with numerous places to stop and take in the views and salty air.
There are cream teas & refreshments on sale, a plant stall, a giant sandpit…with buckets & spades provided and a photographic display showing how the site has evolved from the 1920s to the present day. Back by popular demand is the Love Local pop up shop, presenting a range of quality, coastally inspired, locally made gifts.
Over 3,500 people have visited the garden openings to date, helping to raise well over £15,000 which has benefited both NGS charities & Lympstone fundraising.
Due to some narrow gravel paths, steep slopes and steps, disabled access is limited.
Adults £4, children free but must be closely supervised at all times. No car parking on site but in adjacent field if weather permits & plenty of bike parking. Sorry no dogs.
Open 2–5pm on Friday 6th & 2-6pm on Sunday 8th June.
Full details on www.ngs.org.uk . Also open by appointment from May to September for clubs, societies & groups, details on Lympstone.org
