Greenway garden

From walled gardens to riverside woodland, the informal garden at Greenway is very relaxed and tranquil. There are hidden gems to discover, views to admire and places to relax. While we're closed, why not find out about the different areas to explore?

 

Greenway   Devon

We look forward to welcoming you back soon

Greenway is now closed and we hope to reopen in spring 2021. Why not check back here nearer the time to plan your visit?

The Walled Gardens

Fruit growing in the peach house at Greenway

The Peach House and nurseries

It's a mix of industry and leisure in the gardens, with a working nursery and a restored Peach House, one of the longest in Devon coming in at 120ft long. There are a number of different varieties of peaches, apricots and nectarines grown here, and they're used in the cafe for seasonal recipes.

Arched gate in a stone wall with flowering bush at Greenway, Devon

The South Walled Garden

To the right of the industrial gardens lies the Vinery and vegetable plot which thrive in the shelter provided by the high walls. It's also home to soft borders where hydrangeas flower in summer, a large lawn to relax on with picnic benches perfect for alfresco lunches, and relaxed seating in the gazebo.

Snowdrops in flower in Greenway garden, Devon

Seasonal highlight

Winter may still have us in its icy grasp, but the first signs of life in the garden at Greenway bloom early. The graceful nodding heads of snowdrops adorn the banks from late winter through to early spring, and can be spotted from the moment you arrive. They stretch all the way to the furthest reaches of the woodland garden, but a great place to see them is in front of the house, where swathes bloom all across the lawn and the river can be glimpsed through the trees. 

 

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.

River views

View of the Dart Estuary downstream from Greenway, Devon, which was the holiday home of the crime writer Agatha Christie

Top Garden

A stroll to the top garden rewards you with a gorgeous summer border. 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.

View from the Battery beside the River Dart at Greenway

The Battery and Boathouse

A walk around the garden isn't complete without visiting the Battery on the waters edge, 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. While the Boathouse is currently closed, you can still enjoy the views of the river from the foreshore and potentially spot some of Greenway's river dwelling neighbours.

The Bird Pond in the garden at Greenway, Devon

Agatha Christie's collections

Agatha and her family were great collectors, and that extended to the outdoors too. Nestled carefully amongst the natural landscape you'll find sculptures and statues, like the bronze Kwan Yin and the Greenway bird.

Questions about the garden?

You could drop the garden team an email if you have any questions about Greenway garden, or would even like some advice about your own patch.