The Swirl
The Swirl or The Spiral Garden was introduced by Alice Kennard in 2015. It is inspired by a Penitential Spiral from Monastic times. These spirals were used for meditation by the Monks. If you follow the path you will wind through one spiral and into a second, exiting at the far end from which you entered without ever retracing your steps. The Swirl is planted with 10,000 tulips in spring which are lifted and wildflower seed is sown in relaxed and calming colours for interest through Summer and Autumn.
More Gardens at Forde Abbey
Rock Garden
Created in 1923 with estate rocks, ponds, alpines and seasonal planting for year-round interest.
Park Garden
Herbaceous borders, spring bulbs, specimen grasses and winter hellebores.
Bog Garden
Streams, historic monk-built watercourses, and seasonal planting from primulas to gunnera.
The Swirl
A monastic-inspired spiral garden with tulips in spring and wildflowers in summer and autumn.
Kitchen Garden
From monastic walls and Victorian glasshouses to fruit, flowers and vegetables.
Arboretum
A collection of fine trees and shrubs including Magnolia, Rhododendron and Cornus.
The Long Border
The Long Border by the Long Pond, with yews, dahlias, roses and the Ionic Tempietto.
Woodland Garden
Rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas, plus meandering paths and spring colour.
The Mount
The highest point in the gardens, with mature trees, planted beds and views towards the Abbey.
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