Greencombe Gardens

An organic woodland garden with gorgeous views onto the sea, Greencombe stretches along the tree-covered slopes below Exmoor. This sheltered hillside garden is a little known Somerset gem, close to the quaint harbour village of Porlock Weir.

Under a canopy of deciduous trees, paths meander through an impressive collection of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, lilies, roses, clematis, and hydrangeas. This pioneering organic garden packs in four national plant collections; (Erythroniums, Polystichum ferns, Vaccinium and Gaultheria) and one magnificent champion tree (the English Holly). With such gorgeous vistas and equally esteemed planting, Greencombe Gardens is one of the loveliest things to do in Porlock.

Expect mossy pathways snaking past overflowing borders which wind their way through a canopy of Oak, Conifer and Sweet Chestnuts. The late owner Joan Loraine really did break new ground when she took on this plot in 1966. Not only eschewing weed killers and chemical fertilisers, but overseeing the production of 25 to 30 tonnes of home produced compost and leaf-mould each year! While we don’t envy that job, we do envy this delightful garden, which has become a haven for people and wildlife alike.