BEST OF 2020 Best Gardens of Cornwall

By Tania Hopkinson

From the Tamar right down to Land’s End, Cornwall is blessed with some of the UK’s finest gardens. It is remarkable just how many, both large and small, diverse and wonderful gardens there are in what is a relatively small area. In fact there is such a range of lovely gardens that it is not easy to categorically state which are the best. And what makes Cornwall such a horticultural haven? There are several reasons, not least it is a slim peninsula which benefits from the benign affects of the Gulf Stream. The wonderfully mild maritime climate allows an array of plants to be grown en plein air that can be found nowhere else in the UK.

Trebah Gardens © David Chapman

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GARDEN: PAGE 1 : Nursery 55 2 : Bonython Estate & Garden 53 3 : Caerhays Estate 53 4 : The Eden Project 53 5 : Enys Gardens 53 6 : Glendurgan Garden 53 7 : The Lost Garden of Heligan 53 Best Gardens 8 : The Japanese Garden 53 9 : Lamorran House Garden 53 10 : Lanhydrock 53 Widemouth Bay 11 : The Longcross Hotel & Victorian Garden 53 12 : Mount Edgcumbe House & Garden 53

13 : Pencarrow House & Garden 54 Boscastle 14 : Pinetum Gardens 54 Tintagel 15 : Poppy Cottage 54 Launceston of Cornwall 16 : St Michael’s Mount Garden 54 Port Isaac 17 : Trebah Garden 54 Polzeath 11 18 : Trellissick 54 Rock 19 : Tremenheere Sculpture Garden 54 13 20 : Trengwainton Garden 54 Bedruthan Steps Bodmin 21 : Trerice 54 8 1 22 : Tresco Abbey Garden 54 St Mawgan 10 Fistral 23 : Trewidden Gardens 54 Crantock 21 24 : Trewithen Gardens 54 4 Perranporth Polruan St Agnes 14 12 Polperro Porthtowan 7 24 Pentewen Portreath Mevagissey Probus St Ives Godrevy 3 Gorran Haven 15 Zennor Carbis Bay 5 18 20 19 9 Falmouth Sennen Cove St Helen’s 23 16 Praa Sands Tean St Martin’s 6 17 Bryher Lands End Mousehole 22 Tresco Porthcurno 2 St Keverne Samson Mullion St Mary’s Coverack Isles of Scilly

Kennack Sands Kynance Cove Gugh St Agnes The Lizard

The idea of creating beautiful gardens really started in the spent a lot of time in the USA and botanical 1800’s. It became fashionable for the Victorians having amassed groups were astounded by the number and huge importance great wealth from both mining and banking to buy large ‘plots’ of of what he had found. Many plants that we recognise today land and having accumulated these acres there was a need to do were brought by him into general cultivation. For example, red- something with them. barked Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’), -grape (Mahonia Fortunately for us, at that time there was a burgeoning band aquifolium) and the (Pseudotsuga menziesii). In fact it of botanical explorers who took to roaming the globe. It was these was his plant collections, the conifers in particular, which were to men who found and brought back to Cornwall many species of be the way forward for the landscape and gardens of this county, as plants. The majority of which most of us think of as native to this they were used as specimen , shelter belts and copses. country; when in fact they originated from far and wide. As a William Lobb was an intrepid plant hunter who travelled consequence gardens and gardening developed. Today the gardens extensively to South and North America and was responsible for in Cornwall are prolifically stocked with, amongst other specimens, the introduction of the Monkey Puzzle , , escallonias, a myriad of , camellias, azaleas and magnolias all of , embothrium, , crinodendron and later on many which thrive on our native acid soils and the moist air conifers such as ; today it would be hard which abounds. to find a garden that did not contain a ‘Lobb’ plant. Men such as David Douglas, the Lobb brothers William and Thomas Lobb, William’s brother, also a prolific collector travelled Thomas, the Treseders, Thomas Bolitho, Ernest Wilson to name a to Singapore, Java, India, Malaya, Borneo and the Philipines from few, travelled to, and gathered plants from, far flung lands and where he brought many species for what was then a new fashion brought them to Cornwall where they have flourished ever since. of growing greenhouse plants.

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John Treseder travelled to and imported from the Antipodes, the famous tree , Dicksonia antartica, which we have all grown to love, and the cordyline, the phormium and the wonderful eucalyptus to name just some. Thomas Bolitho of Trewidden was probably the first to introduce the camellia, magnolia, and . And it was his daughter Mary, also with gardening in her blood and married to another keen gardener Charles Williams of Caerhays, who brought to Trewidden many plants bred by the Williams family such as the renowned Camellia x williamsii hybrids. Ernest Wilson or Ernest ‘Chinese’ Wilson as he became known for his forays into China, was responsible for discovering over 2,000 species, amongst 1,000 plants he introduced to Europe is the lovely and popular Lilium regale, the ‘Handkerchief St Michael’s Mount Tree’, the giant dogwood and magnolia wilsonii. There are certain plants which suit Cornwall’s climate and soil Enys Gardens, near Penryn has outstanding examples of the conditions to such an extent that one could be forgiven for thinking Peruvian laurel (Laurelia sempervirens) and another champion that this is their original home. The renowned camellia for example tree, the Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) standing 16m can be seen somewhere in flower during every month of the year; tall. Trengwainton Garden near Penzance, is well known for its Trewithen Grampound has a champion magnolias, Magnolia campbellii, (originally brought from fine collection. China) which offers a stunning display of huge and exotic blooms Then there are azaleas which normally flower in spring but and can lift the soul on any winter’s day. because of the shelter belts and benign conditions, can be found The variety of gardens in Cornwall is as diverse as the countries flowering at Lamorran Garden, St Mawes until July. from which the plants have originated, and each with their own If it is champion trees which interest you then many of the unique style. Whilst so many gardens are worthy of a mention, larger gardens are able to boast several fine specimens, Trewidden we are restricted by space in this publication, and so we have garden for example has 24 such wonderful trees. Trebah Garden highlighted some of our favourites picking out certain areas of at Smith has the Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), interest. HandkerchiefNear Penryn Tree (Davidia involucrata var. vilmoriniana). For full information about a garden please visit their website. Discover

A39 TO Tea room / Dogs welcome TRURO Open: April to the end of September 2pm - 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11am - 5pm on Sundays FOLLOW THE BROWN SIGNS Web: www.enysgardens.org.uk A39 TO B3292FROM PENRYN FALMOUTH Tel: 01326 377621

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BONYTHON ESTATE & GARDEN GLENDURGAN GARDEN Bonython, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston TR12 7BA , Near Falmouth TR11 5JZ T: 01326 240550 W: www.bonythonmanor.co.uk T: 01326 252020 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan-garden For opening hours and admission prices see website For opening hours and admission prices see website

CAERHAYS ESTATE LAMORRAN HOUSE GARDEN Caerhays, Gorran PL26 6LY T: 01872 501310 W: www.caerhays.co.uk Upper Castle Road, St Mawes TR2 5BZ T: 01326 270800 W: www.lamorrangarden.co.uk For opening hours and admission prices see website

LANHYDROCK Bodmin PL30 5AD T: 01208 265950 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/ For opening hours and admission prices see website

THE LONGCROSS HOTEL & VICTORIAN GARDEN Trelights, Port Isaac PL29 3TF T: 01208 880243 W: www.portisaac.com

As one of Britain’s horticultural treasure troves, home to a National Collection of Magnolias and members of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, Caerhays Castle and Spring Gardens are nothing short of a spectacular spring time visit. The gardens are open from the 17th February – 14th June 2020 between 10am – 5pm (last entry at 4pm). The castle is open for guided tours from 16th March – 12th June 2020 weekdays only (not including bank holidays). Groups welcome for private guided tours of the castle and gardens.

EDEN PROJECT Bodelva PL24 2SG T: 01726 811911 W: www.edenproject.com For opening hours and admission prices see website

ENYS GARDENS St Gluvias, Penryn TR10 9LB The Longcross Victorian Garden offers 3 acres of restored garden which was originally designed by T: 01326 377621 W: www.enysgardens.org.uk Captain Allerdyce in the 1920’s. There is an interesting use of shrubs and hedgerows to protect the garden from all the sea salt in this rugged landscape. There is a pretty ornamental lake from which there are stunning views over some 30 miles of rugged Cornish coastline which can also be enjoyed from the lovely conservatory style café/restaurant and terrace.

MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE & GARDENS Cremyll, Nr. PL10 1HZ T: 01752 822236 W: www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk For opening hours and admission prices see website

HOUSE AND GARDENS PL30 3AG These largely natural gardens with an air of history and mystique are well worth a visit for those Between Bodmin and Wadebridge seeking an inspiring afternoon out. Features include a New Zealand Flower Garden, ponds, orchard, woodlands and bluebell meadow in spring. There is also a fascinating history room next to the www.pencarrow.co.uk • Tel: 01208 841369 on-site cafe. Opening Hours: April to the end of September 2pm - 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 11am - 5pm on Sundays. Enys Gardens are closed during the winter for ongoing garden maintenance and development. Extended opening hours throughout May, please see website for details. Admission: Adults: £6, Seniors: £5, Students: £3, Children: £2, Children 5 and under free. Payment by card is unfortunately not accepted at present due to the remote rural location.

Owned, loved and lived in by the family. Georgian house and Grade II* listed gardens. Enjoy a guided tour with a difference and step back into the past with stories of the Molesworths past and present! Superb collection of portraits, furniture and porcelain. Marked walks through 50 acres of beauti- ful formal and woodland gardens, Victorian rockery, Italian garden, many different varieties of rhododendrons, lake, Iron Age hill fort and icehouse. Café, gift shop, plants for sale and childrens playground. Dogs welcome in the gardens and can have a run off the lead in the woods. Between Bodmin and Wadebridge – PL30 3AG follow the brown Tourist signs House, Café & Shop open Sundays to Thursdays (closed on Fridays and Saturdays) 29th March 2020 to 1st October 2020 Tours of the house start at 11.15 and then every 45 minutes (last tour is 3.00pm) © Enys Gardens Gardens open daily from 1st March 2020 – 31st October 2020

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PENCARROW HOUSE & GARDENS TRENGWAINTON GARDEN Between Bodmin and Wadebridge PL30 3AG T: 01208 841369 W: www.pencarrow.co.uk Madron, near Penzance TR20 8RZ T: 01736 363148 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trengwainton-garden/ For opening hours and admission prices see website

TRERICE Kestle Mill, near Newquay TR8 4PG T: 01637 875404 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice/ For opening hours and admission prices see website

TRESCO ABBEY GARDEN Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ T: 01720 424108 W: www.tresco.co.uk

The gardens are a combination of formal landscaping and woodland walks, with attractive planting for garden specialists and casual walkers. From early in the year to late into the autumn, every month there is something beautiful to see. Partial wheelchair access, however, the more robust mobility scooters will be able to access all of the gardens. PINETUM GARDENS Holmbush, St Austell PL25 3RQ T: 01726 73500 W: www.pinetumgardens.com POPPY COTTAGE GARDEN Ruan High Lanes, Truro TR2 5JR T: 01872 501411 W: www.poppycottage.garden Imagine if you will a small island no more than two miles long and thirty miles from the south west tip of . On that island within the Isles of Scilly group sits the world famous Tresco Abbey ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT GARDEN Garden and within that garden there exists an unique collection of plants from South Africa’s Western Marazion, Cornwall TR17 0EF Cape, Coastal Chile, California, Southwest Australia and the Mediterranean basin. T: 01736 710507 W: www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk For opening hours and admission prices see website For opening hours and admission prices see website

THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN TREWIDDEN GARDENS Pentewan, St Austell PL26 6EN Buryas Bridge, Penzance TR20 8TT T: 01726 845100 W: www.heligan.com T: 01736 351979/363021 W: www.trewiddengarden.co.uk For opening hours and admission prices see website For opening hours and admission prices see website

THE JAPANESE GARDEN TREWITHEN GARDENS St Mawgan, Nr Newquay TR8 4ET Grampound Road, Truro TR2 4DD T: 01637 860116 W: www.japanesegarden.co.uk T: 01726 883647 W: www.trewithengardens.co.uk For opening hours and admission prices see website For opening hours and admission prices see website. TREBAH GARDEN Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth TR11 5JZ T: 01326 252200 W: www.trebah-garden.co.uk

Trebah Garden © David Chapman © David Garden Trebah Discover the magic of this beautiful Cornish valley garden with over four miles of footpath. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms. Follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our very own secluded beach on the . Trebah offers visitors a year round experience. In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; in summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old. In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond and in winter, our spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere flower. For opening hours and admission prices see website TRELISSICK Feock, near Truro TR3 6QL T: 01872 862090 W: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick-garden/ For opening hours and admission prices see website

TREMENHEERE SCULPTURE GARDEN Gulval, Penzance TR20 8YL T: 01736 448089 W: www.tremenheere.co.uk Opening Hours and Admission: For opening hours and admission prices see website. Magnolia Camobelli 54 © The Lost Gardens of Heligan BEST OF CORNWALL 2020 A PERFECT REMINDER

We always remember the best gardens in Cornwall but tend to overlook the fact that we have a vast amount of very good garden nurseries and garden centres dotted over the county. At these you can purchase some beautiful specimens, (the like of which are to be found growing in, and may be Set on the stunning North Cornwall coast are the four acquired from, the gardens you can visit), and which you can take home acres of Victorian gardens of the Longcross Hotel. The gardens remain in the original Victorian garden with you to remind you of what we hope was a wonderful holiday. We list layout and they retain their original splendour. below some of the specialist nurseries where you can purchase anything Fabulous restaurant overlooking the gardens & with panoramic sea view serving morning Coffee, light from a locally grown apple tree to a dahlia, or bulb. Not to mention some of lunches, Cream Teas and dinner. the exotics and succulents which abound in Cornwall. • Children’s play area • Dogs welcome BODMIN NURSERY HARDY EXOTICS NURSERY Laveddon Mill, Bodmin PL30 5JU Gilly Lane, Whitecross, Penzance TR20 8BZ T: 01208 72837 T: 01736 740 660 W: www.bodminnursery.co.uk W: www.hardyexotics.co.uk BURNCOOSE NURSERIES ROSELAND HOUSE NURSERY , Redruth TR16 6BJ Roseland House, Chacewater, Truro TR4 8QB T: 01209 860 316 T: 01872 560 451 W: www.burncoose.co.uk W: www.roselandhouse.co.uk TAMAR VIEW NURSERIES AND CROSS COMMON NURSERY GARDEN CENTRE The Lizard, Helston TR12 7PD Carkeel, Saltash PL12 6PH T: 01326 290 668 or 01326 290 722 T: 01752 847 366 W: www.crosscommonnursery.co.uk W: www.tamarviewnurseries.co.uk NURSERY THE CORNISH ROSE COMPANY Cott Road, Lostwithiel PL22 0HW Mitchell Lane, Mitchell, Newquay TR8 5AX T: 01872 519146 T: 01208 872 668 W: www.garden-roses.co.uk W: www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk TREVENA CROSS NURSERIES EAST OF EDEN PLANTS & GARDEN CENTRE Open March to October - 10am until dusk 38 St Andrew Street, Millbrook Breage, Helston TR13 9PY Torpoint PL10 1BE T: 01736 763 880 T: 01752 822 782 W: www.trevennacross.co.uk 01208 880243 W: www.eastofedenplants.co.uk WINCHESTER GROWERS LIMITED www.longcross hotel.co.uk FENTONGOLLAN FARM (THE NATIONAL DAHLIA COLLECTION) Tresillian, Truro TR2 4AQ Varfell Farm, Long Rock, Penzance TR20 8AQ [email protected] T: 01872 520 209 T: 01736 711271 W: [email protected] W: www.winchestergrowers.co.uk

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www.trebah-garden.co.uk

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