Fern Garden

During winter of 08/09 heavy snow on the branches of laurel close to the Fern Garden caused them to break. Once clearing work was undertaken new areas of the Fern Garden, which lay dormant for decades, became exposed. Under the direction of John Voisey, Estate Manager, expert advice was given identifying species already there and what could be planted to enhance the garden, by John and Bruce from The Rock Nursery in Chudleigh.

Original Victorian pathways have been uncovered, as have the original raised fern beds with dormant ferns!  Rock face has been uncovered and tree ferns and smaller species of ferns have been planted.

This dell with it's own special micro climate just below the head of The Falls is well worth a visit in it's own right.   It is an area of complete peace and tranquility and has become  a very popular spot with the owner for that very reason!

Historically the Fern Garden is one of the few special Fern Gardens in the country and mention is made of it in Dr Sarah Whittingham's book The Victorian Fern Craze.

A section on Victorian Fern Gardens can be found in the Canonteign Falls Souvenir Booklet on sale in the shop