The historic gardens at Dartington have joined the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden scheme for 2022 - giving RHS members free entry on Fridays.

The world’s leading gardening charity chose 11 new additions to join a line-up of more than 200 RHS Partner Gardens, including Dartington.

The 26-acre Grade II Listed gardens have also become an English Heritage Association Attraction, offering English Heritage members 2 for 1 entry throughout the year.

The gardens feature stunning landscapes, sculptures by famous artists and a unique collection of plants and ancient trees.

Greg Parston, Dartington Trust chairman, said: “We are thrilled to be awarded the prestigious RHS partnership, as one of only 11 new gardens joining the RHS as a partner this year. 

“Dartington’s Grade II Listed gardens provide beauty and serenity for thousands of visitors each year.

“This RHS award is a testimony to the high standards of design and planting at Dartington and to their thoughtful conservation by our staff and volunteers; and it recognises the important architectural landscape, ancient trees, colourful borders and impressive sculptures that we have within our historic grounds.”

Sylvie Pierce, estate trustee and chairwoman of Dartington Gardens Advisory Committee, added: “This exciting new partnership has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of the gardening staff at Dartington Trust and the volunteer advisers - a testament to everyone’s enormous effort and love of the gardens.”

Some of the garden highlights include an ancient yew tree which is at least 1,500 years old, a 150-year-old Lucombe Oak, a row of sweet chestnuts which are believed to be more than 400 years old, a huge swamp cypress tree affectionately named ‘Swampy’, an incredible magnolia collection and the Henry Moore ‘Reclining Figure’ sculpture which was designed specifically for Dartington.

The gardens are also the only example of landscape architect, Beatrix Farrand’s work in the UK, as she was brought over from America by founders Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst to redesign the courtyard in the 1930s.

The Dartington Trust reopened the estate’s beautiful formal gardens in April last year following a behind the scenes revamp aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

For many years it was free to walk around the gardens but the reopening came with new charges to help pay for the upkeep of the site.

There are 207 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme comprising some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, and beyond the UK can be found in nine countries across the globe including Barbados, Japan and South Africa.