Cornwall LivingIssue #134
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.
Pencarrow House & Garden
Pencarrow, the much-loved home of the Molesworth- St Aubyn family for nearly 500 years, is set in 50 acres of woodland and garden, where dogs and children are most welcome. In the gardens there are superb conifers that tower over azaleas, magnolias and camellias, with many varieties of rhododendron adding to the blaze of colour in the spring and blue hydrangeas lining the mile-long carriage drive throughout the summer. Discover the ancient Celtic cross, Iron Age hill fort, Victorian lake and icehouse, grotto, restful Italian gardens with fountain and enormous rock garden. Visit the Peacock café and enjoy the delights of a homemade cream tea or a light lunch and then browse in the Pencarrow shop for that perfect gift. The house is also open for guided tours every day except Saturdays.
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 palms trees with over 200 specimens within the garden. Likewise, the number of species of Dicksonia and Cyathea tree ferns run into dozens. There are ponds with water falls, 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 SBZ . You can also call them on 01326270800.
Enys Gardens
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.