Fast Rabbit Farm
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Pharmacist Alan Mort has spent 25 years creating Fast Rabbit Farm, a plantsman’s paradise, which is set in a secluded and sheltered valley just three miles outside Dartmouth. The River Black meanders through the grounds creating several natural ponds, waterfalls and a well stocked lake providing a calming and tranquil atmosphere.
It is essentially a woodland garden known for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias which are surrounded by daffodils and bluebells during Spring. As June progresses, the roses, which have climbed 40 feet into the tree canopy, flower profusely together with a vast array of other flowering shrubs and trees both exotic and native. Alan is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and has grown many specimens from seed sourced from collectors worldwide many of which are quite rare. There is a Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) which had been considered extinct until relatively recently, different varieties of Eucalyptus, Crinodendron hookerianum (Chilean lantern tree), varieties of Malus (Crab Apple) from China, Lysichiton Americanus (American Skunk Cabbage) sit happily in the wet areas, Himalayan birch and many striking and unusual Pinus from different continents.
The golden orfe, koi, mirror carp and golden rudd abound in the lake and the garden is a haven for wildlife which is encouraged in this natural setting. The native wild flowers are positively encouraged. Mutjac and roe deer, rabbits and hares, kingfishers and woodpeckers, foxes and badgers, owls and buzzards, frogs, toads and newts, dragon and damsel flies – just keep your eyes peeled as you walk around or sit quietly on one on the benches and see what appears.
In 2008, Alan began further works to extend the garden into a side valley and he has planted many hundreds of specimen plants. His plans are for a more open and sunny garden and for gardeners interested in watching a garden from inception to maturity a new walk will take you through the plantings.
Fast Rabbit Farm also includes a Nursery where a wide range of plants can be purchased many grown from plants in the garden and many from imported seeds that are sourced from worldwide botanical expeditions. Other facilities include free parking and toilets. The garden is open on Sundays and Monday’s from March to November. More information can be found on www.fastrabbitfarm.co.uk
This pleasurable garden stimulates the senses. It is beautiful to see and there is a tranquility which is broken only by the sound of birdsong and the tinkling of water. The heady perfume of different plants is unforgettable. Go on, treat yourself as soon as you can!
First Published June 2009 By The Dart