We moved into The Stannary over 20 years ago and for many years we ran a successful vegetarian restaurant here.  Initially we had just a small garden area, buying the rest of what is now a 2 acre site much later.  The garden has a wonderful backdrop of Dartmoor views. 

When we arrived most of the ground was covered with a mixture of brambles and barbed wire and with little time available it has taken us many years to create this garden.

We are at almost 1,000 feet above sea level, with strong winds and very stony ground, so gardening here is a challenge.  As we gradually got a few rugged plants established micro climates were created helping other plants, eventually, to grow happily. 

For the most part the planting scheme has not been planned but has developed, allowing nature to create its own plant combinations.  We do have some special plants but they are alongside commonplace plants which we believe can be equally valuable in the garden.

We have large areas devoted to wildlife including a series of ponds and an untended meadow.  Indeed the garden is now a haven for wildlife.  The rabbits do little damage but the deer, although very welcome, can be an extra challenge in the garden.

Michael & Ali