We all have our own idea of what paradise is to us. Well, I'm pretty certain I found a part of mine this Easter weekend. My husband and I took a couple of days out to visit North Devon, this is easily one of my favourite places on earth!
To me, Spring just wouldn't be Spring without indulging myself in copious amounts of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, and fortunately I was able to get a more than generous springtime helping in Porlock on the Exmoor coast! Greencombe Gardens is nestled amongst the hills at Porlock, we have been to this seaside village many times and didn't know this little slice of paradise even existed. We were so glad we found it.
April has got to be the gardens most enchanting month, it is ablaze with every shade of pink and purple, because this month is when the glorious Azaleas are in full bloom. I can't adequately explain how being in this almost secret garden fed my soul and recharged my batteries. Just being this close to nature, amongst the beautiful blooms and looking out towards the sea, the deliciously fresh fragrance of the garden on the cool sea breeze. Stippling mossy paths resonant with the humming of bees and twittering of small birds, and trees that reach the skies like cathedral spires. Spring bulbs abundant to make for the most glorious experience that we wished could never end.
This garden is set around a beautiful romantic looking house, washed with cream walls and light blue window and door frames. The history of the garden is so fascinating, Joan Loraine made her 4 acre garden her life's work. The garden is on a North-facing slope under Exmoor's Dunkery Beacon and surrounding hills. The tops of these hills are very much exposed to the weather, they're covered in heather and gorse. But as the hills slope towards the sea, they become warmer and wooded, creating the perfect surrounding for this hidden garden. It has the oldest Holly tree in Great Britain ageing back 500 years.
In the year 2000, Joan had a small chapel errected to mark the millennium, 2000 years since Jesus Christ was on the earth. It has a beautiful wooden carving depicting the Christ child and mother Mary holding her child and looking at Him in wonder and amazement. What a wonderful hidden treasure at the end of a beautiful haven.
The garden is completely organic, so this makes the appeal of their homemade chutneys and jams all the more irresistable. I'm sure you can imagine how beautiful this whole place is, but be sure to not just imagine, take a visit! If you are in that area at all, you will not be disappointed stopping for a slice of Heaven! The cost of £7/adult (£1/child) wasn't the least bit cause for hesitation. Be sure, however, to arrive with cash as there isn't a card machine. If you're green fingered and would like to leave with the perfect souvenir, then bring a little extra as there is a "gift shop". My Husband left delighted with his primula! The name of which He can't remember, but today it sits proudly by the window with his venus flytraps.
We will definitely go back during the summer to see what this idyllic garden has to delight us with!