Pinces Gardens

The first of Exeter's notable nurseries was William Lucombe's at St Thomas, which was founded on this site in 1720. The most famous introduction was the Lucombe Oak. The nursery became Lucombe, Pince & Co in the 1820s. Their catalogue (dating from around 1870) featured an illustration of part of their Italian garden. The nursery, shaded by fine old Lucombe oaks, was famous for its 'Wonder of the West' strain of cinerarias, calceolarias, and an extensive rockery.

In the 19th century the nursery was renowned for its vast glasshouses packed with orchids, gardenias and rare palms. The nursery was sold in 1890 to The Exeter Nursery Company. In 1912 Exeter City Council bought the site and converted it into a pleasure ground.

The 45 yard long pergola of mature wisteria was one of the main features of the nursery in the 1880s and is still the most impressive feature today. The pergola is a very light construction of metal hoops and is reminiscent of the pleached alleys in Tudor gardens. The simple lodge and pavilions are of traditional design and, together with the well kept bowling green and croquet lawn, give a satisfying feeling to the pleasure ground.

Type

Park

Purpose

Recreational/sport

Principal Building

Recreational

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes