Homeyards Botanical Gardens at Shaldon were developed on fields in the 1920s by William and Maria Homeyard who in 1921 had bought Ness Cottage which had extensive views over the Teign estuary and Lyme Bay. The Homeyard's wealth came from Mother Job's Liquid Fruit Cough Cure and Liqufruta, a patented cough syrup manufactured at their factory in London.
The majority of the terraced gardens, including a castle summer house and a small grotto were constructed in 1927 when William died, but Maria continued to buy land and build houses with designed gardens for local people. Eight swiss chalet style houses were for professional people. The talk by the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens will cover the history of Homeyards and the development of their gardens.
Please note that this is an extremely, steeply, sloping site though there is a level walkway along the top of the garden. There are two disabled car parking spaces and limited parking in neighbouring streets. The town car parks including that at the Ness are about a 30 minute walk from the gardens. This is partly uphill. The number 22 bus to/from Torquay stops just before the gardens. Further details will be sent nearer the time.
Why not enjoy a picnic in the garden prior to the event?