Abundance of gardens
Due to its the mild climate, this area of Cornwall has an abundance of wonderful gardens which are open to the public. A pretty drive will take you past the coveted oyster beds of Port Navas through Constantine and to Gweek at the head of the Helford estuary, or past Falmouth towards Truro for the gardens overlooking the Falestuary. Below is a small selection to consider.
Trelissick, near Truro
Owned by the National Trust and set on its own peninsula estate, it is a welcoming garden with stunning maritime views over the Fal estuary and lovely, meandering woodland walks leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders.
The tiered garden is home to the national collection of photinias and azaras.
It has extensive Woodland and Riverside walks. The house has a friendly and inviting atmosphere with a renowned art gallery with paintings from local Cornish artists.
Crofters café offers a delicious range of National Trust fare, including its famous cream teas. You can arrive by car or catch a passenger ferry from Falmouth.
For more information check out: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Enys Gardens, Penryn
It is said that Enys is considered to be the oldest garden in Cornwall. Robert Enys lived there during the reign of Edward 1. The 1709 edition of Camden’s Magna Britannia mentioned that Enys was noted for its fine Italianate gardens, with long vistas reaching down the length of the current garden.
In 1833 John Samuel Enys engaged Henry Harrison a London architect to produce designs for the garden as well as the house. Amongst these features was the Ladies garden, later called the Flower garden. This garden leads into the Colonel’s garden named after Colonel Enys (1757-1818).
The Gardens now offer a unique, tranquil and unspoilt experience, presenting a wide variety of peaceful garden vistas.
Within the 30-acre gardens lie the open meadow known as Parc Lye, where the spring show of bluebells is breathtaking; the Ponds, where the waterwheel can be found, The Flower Garden, The New Zealand Garden, Broadwalk and The Orchard, to mention a few.
For further information visit: https://www.enysgardens.org.uk
Glendurgan Garden
Owned by the National Trust this is a subtropical valley garden on the edge of Mawnan Smith, just 15 minutes from Pendra Loweth.
You can stroll down through the peaceful, exotic and playful valley to a sheltered beach at the bottom of the garden. A place to watch birds and boats, skinm stones and build sand-castles.
There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in – full of fun, informality, natural beauty and amazing plants.
Glendurgan is home to a Laurel maze which dates back to 1833, as well as a maypole known as ‘Giants Stride’.
There is a café and a shop and the gardens are usually open between February and November each year.
For more information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glendurgan/
Trebah Gardens
Set in Mawnan Smith just 15 minutes from Pendra Loweth, with a bus stop close to the entrance, is a beautiful sub-tropical Cornish Valley garden with over 4 miles of footpath and its very own private beach.
Explore under canopy’s bursting with exotic blooms. And follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to the Helford River.
Trebah offers visitors a year-round experience. In spring it 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 cast clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard pond; and in winter, their spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere flower.
With adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events all year round it is a family and dog-friendly garden. There is ample parking and a Café and shop on site.
For more information visit: https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/