Greencombe Gardens

About the garden

Greencombe is an organic woodland garden that extends along a sheltered hillside, beneath the tree-covered slopes of Exmoor, and offers outstanding views over Porlock Bay and the sea beyond. Established in 1946, for 50 years Joan Loraine developed a collection of exceptional plants, employing organic methods and shunning chemical sprays. She produced all her own compost and spread copious amounts of leafmould, resulting in fertile soil and a riot of birds and butterflies all around.

Moss-covered paths meander through an impressive collection of ornamental plants that flourish beneath a canopy of oaks, hollies, conifers and sweet chestnuts. On display throughout the garden are four National Plant Collections: Erythronium, Vaccinium, Gaultheria and Polystichum. The garden is also home to a champion English holly tree (Ilex aquifolium).