We’ve moved!

We have moved to our new website. All the blog posts here have been copied across to the new site.
Find us at shaldonbotanicalgardens.org.

Welcome to the blog of the Friends of Homeyards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon

The committee of the Friends hopes to use the Blog to communicate with members of the Friends and others interested in the Gardens or in Shaldon generally.

The Blog will include information about Homeyards, our plans for development of the gardens, and the progress we are making.  It will also pass on details of events and opportunities for you to get involved.

Communication is a two way street, and we hope that you will take advantage of the comments facility included  with each post to let us know your thoughts, views and opinions about what we are doing, and of course any ideas of your own for the gardens.

Hire the Castle

‘COG’ Aerial Tour of the Gardens

‘COG’ or the Consortium of Gardens are a group of organisations in Teignmouth and Shaldon which have a common interest in maintaining and improving green spaces for the benefit of the community.

One of the initiatives undertaken by the group last year was the production of a video of drone-flight over the various COG sites. You can view it here.

When the video opens you can move around a panoramic view of Teignmouth and the Estuary. Swipe round and click on the Botanical Gardens flowery COG logo to take you inside the garden for a 360 degree view. Alternatively you can click on the “View Map” option at the bottom of the screen and then select Botanical Gardens. There are also tours of Teignmouth Orangery and Eastcliff Gardens, well worth a look.

Devon Open Studios at the Castle

Tina, Val, Cy, Alison

The Castle will be hosting its first group show for Devon Open Studios 2019. Over 200 artists and artisans across Devon open their studios to the public to show and sell their creations from Saturday 7th to Sunday 22 September.

Four local artists have teamed up to exhibit in the Castle, the first time such an event has been held here. (An initiative supported by Teignbridge Council’s Open Spaces team).

Alison Miles Pottery. Alison is an established ceramicist, known for her delicate tea light houses. Made in porcelain to obtain a depth of colour, they are inspired by the local houses around the Shaldon where she lives. They are hand painted and each has an individual character. Alison’s work demonstrates the loving care she takes across her process, even the packaging; beautiful locally made boxes, hand stained and waxed.  

Cyan Saens (mixed media painting). Cy moved to the area from London , and though now based in Buckfasleigh, returns to the Teign for inspiration. Working in mixed media, structures, landscape and natural elements are featured, with the Bridge and Pier sometimes making an appearance.

Val Wilkie (silver jewellery and pottery). Val is Bishopsteignton based and works with sterling silver wire, making pieces that have movement and joy. Often organic in style and teamed with colourful gemstones, they reflect the earthy textures and colours of this coastal location.

Tina Hill-Art, Shaldon Pottery Studio. Tina’s estuary side studio is the inspiration for her silvery ‘ebbing tide’ glazing style. She creates sculptural and figurative items, vessel forms and jewellery in organic and rugged finishes, taking design notes from natural influences and seascapes.

Homeyards Castle will open 11 am – 5 pm, Thursdays to Mondays during the event.
They will be running short workshops on weekend days, and teas will be served, with donations going to The Friends of Shaldon Botanical Gardens, each artist is donating a piece to be raffled for the friends also. To book workshops & further information:
https://www.facebook.com/Artists-at-Homeyards-Castle-574132933087934/

Devon Open Studios free event guide is available from Devon Libraries, Tourist Information Centres, arts and community venues across the county or to download : devonartistnetwork.co.uk/artists

Homeyards wins Green Flag award

Fantastic news : Homeyards Botanical Gardens have been granted a Green Flag award. ‘The awards, now celebrating its 21st year, recognise and reward the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, are beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.’
Congratulations to Chrissie Drew and Teignbridge Green Spaces, Gary Sullivan our gardener, and Lisa Pash and the Friends of Homeyards for all their hard work to win this award.
To celebrate the announcement BBC’s Spotlight programme came to the gardens on Tuesday 16th July to record a feature. Children from Shaldon School joined in to help present it.

Poetry Trail and Viewing Platforms

A couple of photos from when a group of Year 4 children from Shaldon School visited the Gardens in June to get inspiration for an Arts Council funded project. In the company of local poet Caitlin Miller (nee Gillespie) they visited several areas of Homeyards to savour the atmosphere and prepare to write their own poetry. Their work will become the basis of a permanent Poetry Trail for all to enjoy later this year.

We now have a historic timeline along the top rail of one of the viewing platforms. They also make a good place for a spot of exercise with a view!

Burma Star Garden – finishing touches

The finishing touches being made to the Burma Star rose garden.

Burma Star Garden

Gary at work on the new design for the Burma Star memorial garden. The yew ‘star’ is taking shape and more yew is to go around the edge to ‘frame’ the area. The granite plinth and plaque has been ordered and should be installed in a week or so. They will be set in front of the memorial stone surrounded by plum coloured slate chippings.

30 Years Ago

There is an exhibition in the castle of photos and drawings from 30 years ago – compare these to how the gardens look now. The castle is usually open to visitors on Tuesday afternoons, when Eileen and friends will be happy to provide a cup of tea and a chat.

Pond Path Planting and Rope Walk Repairs

Pond Path planting – We’ve bought lots of wonderful shrubs and plants for the bank that runs up from the pond and next week’s forecast is looking good. Just hoping we can persuade as many of you as possible to come and join in the planting for an hour or two. Work sessions start from 10am on Monday 25th and will continue on Tuesday/Wednesday as well as Thurs & Friday if necessary. We have tools but suggest you wear stout footwear and bring some gloves. We’d particularly like help when Shaldon School come along on Wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm. The Castle facilities will be open to support the working groups.

Rope Walk access – after many years of asking, the wonky steps up at the top are to be repaired. This will mean this route to the Gardens will be closed on Monday (25th) and Tuesday (26th).

Easter Fun – Thursday 18th April

Easter Fun in the Gardens this year is on Thursday April 18th 10-12.
Free event, everyone welcome.