Chevithorne Barton; darling buds of May

In 1911 Ludo and May Heathcoat Amory, the current owners great grandparents, married and moved into the house at Chevithorne Barton in Devon. The garden was very much part of their future plans but within four years Ludo was dead on the Somme and, when she lost all three sons in the second World War, May poured her passion into the garden creating a plantswoman’s paradise. Woodland walks carpeted with bluebells, orchards, rock gardens and cascades, herbaceous borders, a lake and stunning views over the Exe Valley would seem special enough. But May’s legacy continued with her grandson, Michael, who dedicated himself to creating a National Collection of Oaks.

Today, Chevithorne Barton is lived in by May’s great grandson Edward who, together with Bluebell the dog, takes us on an enchanting virtual tour of the garden:

For more virtual garden visits do take a look at the NGS website – https://ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits-collection/