Dorset, Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Garden - Sept 2020 (58)A
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset
The gardens are situated in Abbotsbury, Dorset about 10 miles from Weymouth. In the late 18th century a family called Fox-Strangeways built a house and garden on the site (1765). This was maintained until 1913 when the house burnt down. It was decided not to rebuild the house, the family moved elsewhere but the walled garden remained until the present day. The family still owns the garden which now extends to a 20 acre or 8 hectares site. It is filled with many exotic species, both formal and informal gardens. Wooded walks and walled gardens feature throughout. Because of its microclimate many plants survive and flourish outside a greenhouse. The downside to this is, severe frost and rain can cause havoc to plants and trees. In 1990 severe storms damaged many of the rare plants. Many of these however, have been replaced by younger specimens. Another feature of the garden is that there are a number of geographically sectioned areas for specific zones.
We visited again in 2020 and had cake and tea in the restaurant. Very well worth the visit.
Dorset, Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Garden - Sept 2020 (58)A
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset
The gardens are situated in Abbotsbury, Dorset about 10 miles from Weymouth. In the late 18th century a family called Fox-Strangeways built a house and garden on the site (1765). This was maintained until 1913 when the house burnt down. It was decided not to rebuild the house, the family moved elsewhere but the walled garden remained until the present day. The family still owns the garden which now extends to a 20 acre or 8 hectares site. It is filled with many exotic species, both formal and informal gardens. Wooded walks and walled gardens feature throughout. Because of its microclimate many plants survive and flourish outside a greenhouse. The downside to this is, severe frost and rain can cause havoc to plants and trees. In 1990 severe storms damaged many of the rare plants. Many of these however, have been replaced by younger specimens. Another feature of the garden is that there are a number of geographically sectioned areas for specific zones.
We visited again in 2020 and had cake and tea in the restaurant. Very well worth the visit.