Since 1961, Garden House has been developed by a private trust to become a significant attraction for garden aficionados. 

Set on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, the ten acres of undulating, landscaped garden precincts are linked by easy access but informal paths to deliver a very varied and (in the right season) lush experience.

And that's the key to this garden, the variety, including everything from exotics from South Africa, maples, magnolias, rhododendron and camellias from the orient alongside all the wonderful annual borders and country windflowers of an English summer.

Everywhere you look there is evidence of the caring touch of dedicated plantsmen and garden designers - from the thoughtful and original plant combinations, charming surrounds of paths and stone walls, pergolas, gazebos, streams and bridges. 

Everything has been carefully positioned to ensure the visitor enjoys the plants at their best.

A new aboretum has recently been added around a small lake and it will, by the looks of it, be excellent in a few years time.

Accolades abound for the cream teas, though this reviewer cannot confirm them. 

I would say though that although these gardens are open from early March that you will get more bang for your buck if you visit after spring has delivered leaves to the trees. 

And equally late autumn might be a bit too late to see it at its best. 

As the seasons vary so much each year it is worth considering this aspect before planning your visit.