Three East Devon gardens to visit this weekend, in aid of Hospiscare

Three beautiful gardens in or near Honiton are opening to the public this weekend to raise money for Hospiscare.

South Wood Farm in Cotleigh, Little Ash Farm at Fenny Bridges and Prospect House in Axminster will open their gardens on both Saturday July 3 and Sunday July 4, between 1pm and 5pm.

Admission is £5 per garden, or £12 for all three.

South Wood Farm has a five-acre garden set around the farmhouse, designed by Arne Maynard.

It has rich displays of perennials, wildflower meadows, orchards and a vegetable garden, and shows how contemporary design can be integrated into a traditional setting.

Tea, coffee and cake will be available, there are toilets on site, and parking is 'a stone's throw' from the garden. No direct wheelchair access to some areas, but access on grass around most. Dogs on leads are allowed.

Little Ash Farm has a relaxed country garden of one and a half acres, packed with different and unusual herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs and bamboos. Colour-co-ordinated mixed borders are interspersed with metal sculptures.

The garden has been designed to provide for year-round interest, and wildlife habitats, with a natural stream, damp woodland area, pond, mini wildlife meadows, hardy exotics and gravel/alpine garden.

There will be a well-stocked plant stall.

There is wheelchair access on grass to much of the garden, toilets are available, and dogs on leads welcome. Parking is on a quiet road nearby.

Prospect House has a one-acre garden, hidden behind high stone walls, with views over the Axe Valley. It's been featured on BBC Gardeners World, Garden News and Garden Answers.

There are trees, shrubs, grasses and many unusual and tender perennials, plus a collection of more than 200 salvias. A local jazz band will also be playing on Saturday, July 3.

Tea and cake will be available, there are limited toilet facilities, and unfortunately no wheelchair access. Parking is on the road nearby, and dogs on leads are welcome.