MEMBERS of our Club have just enjoyed our eighth garden tour; this time to beautiful Somerset and the N. Devon area.

We set off on June 20 in glorious weather which was to last for the whole four days of our trip. Hestercombe was our first visit, the restored Gertrude Jekyll/ Lutyens designed, now restored, formal gardens were an absolute delight.

Some members enjoyed walking in the landscaped park and woods.

On our first full day, off we went to RHS Garden Rosemoor where the roses where at their peak of perfection and their beautiful perfume, enhanced by the warm sunshine, wafted through the air.

Then on to Marwood Hill, a real contrast to Rosemoor.

This lovely private garden of 20 acres with its three lakes with water gardens and unusual trees and shrubs is set in a secluded valley giving it a real feeling of peace and relaxation.

A quirky garden was Harbour Lights where the wonderful driving skills of our coach driver Colin, were definitely put to the test.

There were odd sculptures and risqué water features - the owner definitely had a sense of humour.

On we went to Hartland Abbey set in an AONB where we were very warmly welcomed.

Here the gardens are in several areas well away from the house, but the good walk to the walled garden well worth the effort.

Several of us did the fairly difficult walk down to Hartland Point to enjoy the stunning Atlantic coast.

Two gardens had in recent years been created from open fields and such a contrast.

Cheristow Lavender neat and semi-formal and Holbrook a chaotic, barely-managed wilderness.

On our way home we stopped for a buffet lunch at Cannington Walled Garden.

This is now part of Bridgewater College, the garden and its restoration giving a dynamic learning resource for its students.

Here we saw a young, thriving rare Wollemi Pine, until 1994 only known from its fossil records.

Thanks must go to Mrs Ruth Fraser for her brilliant organisation and management of this lovely friendly tour and also to Miss Sheila Williams who so efficiently dealt with all tour finances.

Anyone interested in knowing more about Hilltop Gardening Club should visit our website www.hilltopgardeningclub.org.uk