Cornwall LivingIssue #120
Beautiful, botanical
Immerse yourself in nature at one of Cornwall’s fabulous open gardens.
With the onset of spring, the landscape around us is coming to life and there are few better ways to witness this happen than by exploring one of Cornwall’s beautiful open gardens. Indeed, as more of us recognise the value of being close to nature, and the good it can do for our mental health and wellbeing, the scents, smells and sounds of these carefully cultivated havens appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. Take the twisty paths of Trewidden, or bask in the beauty of bluebells at Enys Gardens. Alternatively, explore the Mediterranean layout of Lamorran near St Mawes, stealing glimpses through the trees of the azure ocean beyond. Here are just three of our favourite Cornish gardens that we highly recommend exploring this spring.
Lamorran House Garden
St Mawes
Lamorran House Garden sits at the extremity of the Roseland peninsula and benefits from a frost-free climate conducive to growing a vast range of exotic plants and trees. The garden is laid out in Mediterranean fashion overlooking the sea and abounds in ponds and streams. There are over 200 palms of over 40 varieties which have found a protected home together with a large collection of tree ferns of many different types. Rhododendrons, evergreen azaleas, camellias and blue hydrangeas mix happily with plants from all over the world including many from the Southern Hemisphere. The scented rose garden will delight visitors. It really is a garden for all seasons and a true window onto the sea.
Trewidden Garden
Near Penzance
One of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, Trewidden is a tranquil oasis home to a collection of magnolias, camellias and tree ferns, as well as the National Plant Collection of Rhododendron Kurume Azalea Wilson 50. These, combined with the historic links to west Cornwall’s mining heritage, make for a fascinating day out.
It’s an ideal garden to explore, walking along unusual twisty paths between banks of extraordinary flowering trees and shrubs. End your trip with a welcome Cornish cream tea in the tearoom, and Trewidden becomes the ultimate day out for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Cornwall’s fabulous gardens.
Enys Gardens
St Gluvias
This largely natural garden is a haven of tranquillity and is reputed to be the oldest in Cornwall. Situated between Truro and Falmouth it has an air of history and mystique about it. Well worth a visit for those seeking an inspiring day out and who are ready to explore the breathtaking bluebell display in the spring, the formal Flower Garden, the Meadow Walk full of ox-eye daisies in June, or the pond surrounded by Candelabra Primulas. And once your sojourn is over, round off your visit at the tea room with freshly baked scones and cake.
Events in spring include an art exhibition and craft fair with the mansion house open on specific event dates. Please see the website for details.