Plaz Metaxu, has been described as “one of the most significant new gardens to have been made in Britain in recent decades” (The New English Garden by Tim Richardson) and we are fortunate to be making this exclusive private visit today with its creator Alasdair Forbes as our guide.
A large and multi-faceted valley garden, full of subtle connections and surprising transitions, it has been developed over the past 26 years around Alasdair’s Georgian home, Coombe House, Witheridge – midway between Dartmoor and Exmoor.
The name Plaz Metaxu translates as “the place that is between” and this very special garden draws attention to the importance of space in our lives. The 13 hectares take time to explore and absorb and we look forward to a fascinating and memorable day here in Alasdair’s company.
Areas range from the intimate enclosures of a walled flower garden and two stone courtyards around the house, to wide-scale views of the pastoral landscape. There are spacious lawns around the central man-made lake, an orchard and a range of theatrical spaces, which all lend the garden what Tim Richardson calls “a suspenseful, even dream-like atmosphere”. Sheltered walks lead through marginal woods to sacred groves and other secret gardens, many of them defined by formal hedges and discreetly placed sculptural features and poetic inscriptions.
Myth, poetry and psychology are as present here as air, water and plants.
Morning tea/coffee will be served on arrival and a delicious picnic lunch with wine will be served in the barn or garden, depending on the weather, followed later by afternoon tea.
Tickets
£135, Garden Museum Friends £105 (Find out how to become a Friend of the Garden Museum)
Itinerary
We will start from Tiverton Parkway station, Devon at 9.45am and transport to and from the garden will be provided. (Check www.parkopedia.com if you wish to park at Tiverton Parkway.) Our visit commences at 10.15am and we will leave the garden at approximately 4.30pm.
This event has been organised by the Garden Museum’s Garden Visits committee. We recommend you read our Garden Visits Attendee Charter and Refund/exchange policy before booking your place on any of our Garden Visits.
