On the 17th & 19th of June, Will and Jackie Michelmore are opening their garden at The Lookout, Sowden Lane, Lympstone for the 4th year as part of the National Garden Scheme.
This scheme raises millions annually for caring charities including Macmillan, Marie Curie and Help The Hospices.
Over 2000 people have visited the garden openings, helping to raise nearly £10,000. This has benefited both NGS charities and Lympstone fundraising and Jackie and Will hope to raise a large amount for the Village Hall Refurbishment from their cream teas again this year.
Featured on TV gardening programmes and in the local press, this two-acre garden sits with its toes in the water near the mouth of the Exe Estuary. Originally the derelict 1920s-built mussel purification station has been lovingly transformed over the last 10 year by its garden designer owner into a wildlife friendly, family garden. Flotsam and jetsam finds sit amongst relaxed, naturalistic style seaside planting to give that washed up from the beach feel.
A short circular walk leads you from an area of jungly planting through a wild flower meadow, past a pond, through a copse and along the river bank to a Mediterranean courtyard, with numerous places to stop and take in the views and salty air.
There are refreshments and plants on sale, a giant sandpit…with buckets & spades provided, and a photographic display showing how the site has evolved from the 1920s to the present day.
Due to some narrow gravel paths, steep slopes and steps disabled access is limited and stout footwear recommended!
Adults £3.50, children free, but must be closely supervised at all times. No car parking on site, but in adjacent field if weather permits and plenty of bike parking. Sorry no dogs.
Open 2–5pm on Friday 17th and 2-6pm on Sunday 19th June. Full details on www.ngs.org.uk . Also open by appointment from May to October, details on Lympstone.org
Jackie Michelmore
