The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK and one of Cornwall’s biggest attractions. The gardens can be reached by taking the B3287 from Tregony towards St Austell and then taking the Mevagissey road. Originally the gardens were part of the estate owned by the Cornish Tremayne family. After the First World War, which led to the deaths of 16 out of the 22 gardeners, the gardens fell into a state of neglect until Tim Smit and a group of fellow enthusiasts decided to restore the garden to its former glory. The restoration, which was the subject of a six part Channel 4 television series in 1996, proved to be an outstanding success, not only revitalising the gardens but also the local economy around Heligan by providing employment. The gardens now boast a fabulous collection of aged and colossal rhododendrons and camellias, a series of lakes fed by a ram pump over a century in age, highly productive flower and vegetable gardens, an Italian garden, and a stunning wild area filled with primeval-looking sub-tropical tree ferns called “The Jungle”. The gardens also have Europe’s only remaining Pineapple Pit, warmed by rotting manure, and two figures made from rocks and plants known as the Mud Maid and the Giant’s Head. The style of the gardens is typical of the nineteenth century Gardenesque style, with areas of different character and in different design styles.
Lamorran Gardens
Located off the Upper Castle Road in St Mawes. This beautiful 4 acre sub tropical garden at Lamorran House is in a stunning position with fantastic views to St Anthony’s Headland and the sea. It is set on the side of a hill where sub tropical plants thrive and the water gardens are in Mediterranean and Japanese settings where palm trees abound. There are many interesting design features and ideas – you could almost be in Italy! Extensive collection of rhododendrons, azaleas peaking in May but plenty to see at other times.
Trist House
Trist House is close to the centre of the village of Veryan, just past the Roseland Stores on the road to Portloe on the right hand side. Trist House has a 5-acre restored Victorian country parsonage garden with rose pergola, wide lawns and herbaceous beds. Secret paths lead through planted woodlands to historic rockeries. The garden has been restored over the last eight years, the rockeries have been cleared of brambles and planted. The woodlands have been gradually opened up and under planting has begun. Italian terraces lead down from the house to lawns which have been landscaped and the herbaceous beds have been closely planted. A pair of large copper beeches form an outstanding feature. Magnolias and Camellias and other tender shrubs have been added and in summer roses abound on the 150 foot rose pergola.
