Cornwall LivingIssue #147
In the Garden
Immerse yourself in nature at one of Cornwall’s fabulous open gardens.
Trewidden Garden
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
This largely natural garden situated between Truro and Falmouth has an air of history and mystique that makes it well worth a visit for those seeking an inspiring Cornish day out. Enys is well known for its bluebells in spring, but there is so much more to its gardens, attracting visitors throughout the year.
The Manor House is only open for various events during the season, so be sure to check the website for details. These include the Antiques Fair in April and the Art Exhibition in May, which sees the rustic house walls adorned with works created by local artists. Then, in July, there is the annual food, drink and music festival called Food Jam, before the season rounds off with another Antiques Fair in September.
The house and gardens are also used for occasional weddings, from small elopements to larger events for up to 120 people.
Pencarrow House & Gardens
Pencarrow, the much-loved home of the Molesworth-St Aubyn family for nearly 500 years, is set in 50 acres if Grade II* woodland and garden where dogs and children are most welcome.
The Georgian house boasts an impressive library with a secret door, elegant but ‘lived in’ reception rooms, period bedrooms and collections of family heirlooms, from everyday items to art and fascinating furnishings. In the gardens, superb conifers tower over azaleas, with a blaze of spring colour including magnolias, camellias, and varieties of rhododendron. As you explore, discover the ancient Celtic cross, Iron Age hill fort, Victorian lake and icehouse, grotto, restful Italian gardens and the enormous rock garden.
For a homemade cream tea or light lunch, be sure to stop by the Peacock café, before picking up the perfect gift in Pencarrow’s shop.
Lamorran Gardens
Visitors who have travelled the coast of southern France or northern Italy will recognise Lamorran Gardens; perched on a south-facing hillside overlooking the sea, it has been laid out to maximise its ‘Mediterranean setting’. Yes, there are many rhododendrons, evergreen azaleas and camellias, but Lamorran is unlike any other Cornish garden, playing host to no less than 35 different types of palm trees with over 200 specimens within the garden. Likewise, the number of species of Dicksonia and Cyathea tree ferns run into the dozens. There are ponds with waterfalls, streams, bridges and temples to encapsulate the Mediterranean influence which pervades the garden. This is a private garden open to the public every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm. Contact the team at info@lamorrangarden.co.uk, or head straight on down to the gardens on Upper Castle Road, St Mawes, TR2 5BZ.
01326 270800