Exploring Greenway garden

From walled gardens to riverside woodland, the informal gardens at Greenway are very relaxed and tranquil. There are hidden gems to discover, views to admire and deckchairs to relax in. Here are just some of the highlights.

The walled gardens

The walled gardens are a combination of industry and leisure; the peach house, vinery, vegetable plot and Galmpton School allotment all thrive in the shelter provided by the high walls. The South Walled Garden is also home to soft borders where hydrangeas flower in summer, and there is a large lawn to relax on. The wisteria sinensis and wisteria ‘alba’ are looking their best at the moment and filling the garden with a heady scent.

Clock Golf

A sunny lawn tucked behind the walled gardens is named Clock Golf after the game Agatha and her family would play there. To one side of it is a grass border, to the other side of Clock Golf is the dahlia border, and just behind is a swathe of towering trees. 

The Fernery

One of the most magical areas at Greenway is the recently-restored fernery behind the walled gardens and just along from the dahlia border. Dappled light and shade fall upon the fronds and the central water fountain creates an unrivalled atmosphere of tranquillity. One of the more quirky aspects to the fernery is the dog cemetery, where Agatha's dogs are buried.

The Top Garden

A stroll to the top garden rewards you with a gorgeous summer border. Highlights include late flowering clematis on the walls and the unusual beschorneria, a succulent with pink six-foot flower spikes. Year-round this part of the garden is the place to go to see one of the best views over the river; stand by the fence to the field at the edge of the garden to admire the River Dart down to Dartmouth.

The Battery and Boathouse

A walk around the garden isn't complete without visiting the Battery, which was built as a Napoleonic defence in the 1790s. Just along from there is the Boathouse, which was the scene of the crime in the Poirot mystery Dead Man's Folly. The Boathouse has recently had a lot of conservation work done both inside and out, to help to care for it for ever, for everyone.

Find out more

The garden team lead a free daily garden walk, which leaves from outside of the shop at 2pm and lasts for about 40 minutes. It's the perfect chance to find out more about the history of the garden, and see the best plants in flower. You could also drop the garden team an email if you have any questions about Greenway garden, or would even like some advice about your own patch.