The season starts in February with the snowdrops – we have a collection of over 60 different cultivars, plus crocuses and the lovely cyclamineus daffodils. Daffodils fill the long grass in March and April, followed by many unusual woodland plants from around the world, including erythroniums, ariasaemas, epimideums, anemones and other spring bulbs.
The trees, including a Chinese Tulip Tree (Liriodendron chinense), Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum lanceolatum) and numerous Magnolias (including Magnolia sieboldii and Magnolia sprengeri), give structure to the garden and look lovely as they come into leaf and flower in early spring.
Magnolia Leonard Messel
Meconopsis Louise
In May and June the irises and beautiful blue Meconopsis (Meconopsis Lingholm), from the Himalayas, are at their best.
The season of interest extends through to October and the wonderful autumn colour from the many maples. Acer palmatum Sangokaku, Acer palmatum dissectum Ornatum, Acer palmatum Osakasuki all produce a wonderful display.
"Cooling weather and shortening days means autumn colour, and at Andrew's Corner, on the edge of Dartmoor, you can enjoy it to the full."