Thorn Garden in the Footsteps of EH Wilson

---

A wonderful opportunity to visit the hidden treasure of Thorn Gardens; a little-known private garden on the banks of the River Yealm, South Devon. Thorn occupies a stunning position with extensive views up and down the river and towards Dartmoor. This spectacular historical garden contains a fascinating selection of unusual mature trees and plants from around the globe. The formal level Italianate gardens were first laid out by William Arkwright, in a unique transfer of the entire garden from his home in Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire; replicating the design and transporting many of the ornaments to the present garden. The arboretum slopes below the formal gardens and includes many mature specimens, several registered as champion trees. A number of these were introduced to the UK in the 19th Century by E.H.Wilson (plant collector) and propagated by J.Veitch in his Exeter based nursery. Thorn also has close links to Western Australia through Major Lockyer; a previous owner of Thorn. Lockyer's influence also remains visible in the gardens today with many unusual Australian plants surviving in this mild Devon climate. The day will start with coffee and biscuits on arrival, followed by a lecture from Graham Titchmarsh (Cousin of Alan, gold medal winning RHS photographer and Head Gardener at Thorn). Lunch will be served in the Orangery and then Graham will give a guided tour of the garden and the day will finish with a Devon Cream Tea on the lawn.