Overbeck’s Garden, The National Trust, Salcombe
Have you ever taken a detour to Overbeck’s Garden? Overlooking the most beautiful rugged coastline, Gara Rock and East Portlemouth to the East, Salcombe to the North, is the most fabulous National Trust garden.
It sits above Salcombe, about 224 miles south‑east of our West Sussex Nursery, roughly a five‑hour drive away. The route hugs the coast and, yes, the road narrows to little more than a lane – but it’s worth slowing down, rolling down the window and breathing in the sea air. Stop at South Sands to watch the waves crash and psych yourself up for the final climb. When we visited in spring there was plenty of parking, but we imagine this would be busy on a summer day.
From the car park you’re greeted by a majestic Podocarpus salignus, its cascading foliage welcoming you into a plant hunters paradise. Thanks to a sheltered, south‑facing microclimate created by the warm Gulf Stream, Overbeck’s is a hidden gem. Lush plantings from Brazil, New Zealand, the Canary Islands and South Africa climb the terraces carved into the cliff.
The entrance walkway is flanked by an avenue of Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan palms) planted in the early 20th century. They set the tone for the rest of the garden. Wander a little further and you’ll encounter excellent examples of Myrtus (Luma) apiculata, Libertia grandiflora, Pines and Cedars. The effect is part Mediterranean hillside, part lost jungle. The pines and cedars provide shelter for the tender exotics and I even got a faint hint of scent from the Euphorbia mellifera.
Plant hunters will spot plenty of other gems: Bananas and Citrus, Agapanthus and Brugmansia, Japanese Acers and Succulents. The terraces are laid out with just enough structure to let you wander, discover, and then be pulled to the next vista.
If you’re hunting for plant gems, Overbeck’s Garden is well worth the adventure.
