Budleigh Past and Present

Even in the pouring rain the gardens of Topsham looked beautiful when I visited them during the 2012 'Secret Gardens' event. On Sunday 8 June, Friend of Fairlynch Margaret Wilson, who was heavily involved on that previous occasion two years ago, will no doubt be praying for sunshine. But I wonder whether I’ll take photos as good as the ones you can see at http://budleighbrewsterunited.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/flowers-in-rain-at-topsham.html Whether you like gardens or not, the event is enjoyable for all. “What could be more intriguing than exploring the hidden corners of an ancient port, with streets and dwellings going back 400 years?” ask the organisers.   “Well, looking behind those walls and gates at the secret gardens concealed in many an unlikely corner will certainly satisfy your curiosity.” Sunday 8 June is when the owners of some of Topsham’s private gardens will be inviting you to see their treasures – if you can find them! This bi-annual even...

If it hadn't been for the rain you wouldn't be admiring this image of a glistening, tear-dropped red rose which I found in one of Topsham's secret gardens yesterday. Or its diamond-clustered deeply blushing pink near-neighbour. Or yet another image of the same one which I didn't have the heart to cut out. Just showing off really. And gardening expert Veitch enthusiast Caradoc Doy wouldn't have been able to demonstrate how if you rub the soaking flowers of this magnificent ceanothus between your hands it'll be almost exactly as if you were holding a bar of soap. The foam that comes from this novel form of hand-washing is caused by the saponin contained in the plant, a substance found in many other specimens of the secret world of plants. It's true - I checked it out and found http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/gardening-kee...

Topsham Museum Photo credit: Mike Smith "' Secret Gardens of Topsham’ i s going to be even better this year," promises Friend of Fairlynch Margaret Wilson. Margaret, who heads the team of gardeners at Topsham Museum , has been busy planning this popular event which takes place on Sunday 10 June 2012 as well as being involved in setting up Fairlynch's 'Survival!' exhibition. Tropaeolum speciosum, a form of nasturtium, seen growing here at  The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum Photo credit: Scott Zona "There will be 15 gardens to visit - more than ever before," she says. "Most of them haven’t been open before, and they'll be open for longer, from noon this time till 6.00 pm, giving people more time to fit in as many as possible. The Museum is very grateful to the owners for generously opening their gardens." ' Secret Gardens ' is a major fund-raising event for Topsh...