Percy Cane Garden Restored at Sharpham

The Percy Cane designed garden at Sharpham House has been restored thanks to a grant from DGT. The Trust awarded £1,400 towards the costs of the restoration which was undertaken by the Sharpham head gardener, Bryony Middleton, trainees and volunteers.

The formal gardens around the house at Sharpham were designed by Percy Cane in the 1960s as a gift from the Elmhirst's of Dartington to their daughter, Ruth who, with her husband Maurice Ash, had purchased the Sharpham estate in 1962. The area that has been restored comprises the middle terrace of three with linking central steps flanked by columnar conifers; it has an Italianate character, particularly the vista from the top lawn to the River Dart.

The restoration has redefined the layout of the beds following the original plan by Percy Cane found in the Sharpham archives. In the past the central beds were planted with roses, but the new planting is creating a Tisane Garden which will be both sensory, educational, and provide herb teas to be used at Sharpham. Many of the plants were propagated on site. Other beds along the outside walls of the walled garden are being planted with edible climbers.