Garden variety
As the weather warms up, the National Trust has a host of spectacular grounds to discover together
HERE in the South West, the National Trust has some real garden gems just waiting to be discovered – from elegant lawns stretching down to the sea, to hidden jungles and ‘hot’ borders bursting with colour.
TRELISSICK
On the mild Cornish coast, Trelissick sits on its own peninsula with panoramic views of the Fal estuary. Stretching out on the south terrace you can take in both sea and countryside. Here, the mild climate favours exotic borders of lilies and dahlias, and even bananas. And beside the ‘fairy tale’ water tower is a traditional Cornish orchard that’s the perfect home for local apple varieties.
TRENGWAINTON GARDEN
Trengwainton Garden has a fine orchard where you’ll even find a wellappointed Victorian bee house. Take the winding woodland path that opens out on to a fabulous sea view right across Mounts Bay. And as the seasons change enjoy the collections of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias. Hidden deep in the grounds are tree fern glades with a distinct ‘Jurassic Park’ feel, and there’s even a special ‘quiet’ space for a moment of real calm.
GLENDURGAN
For something even more exotic, head to Glendurgan where the steep jungle-like valley is overflowing with lush plants and bright green mosses. Right at its heart is a restored and quirky maze made of cherry laurel, with the added bonus of a thatched summerhouse for those who make it to the middle.
COTEHELE
Summer shows off Cotehele to its best advantage. In all, it has 14 acres of garden and more than 10 acres of orchards, with around 300 trees. As spring turns to summer swathes of daffodils give way to bluebells, and in the cut flower garden colourful blooms are grown to make up the famous flower garland that adorns the Great Hall at Christmas.
COLETON FISHACRE
The Arts & Crafts valley garden at Coleton Fishacre in Devon is home to plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand. In front of the house is a ‘hot’ border brimming with flowers in fiery shades of reds and oranges, creating a ‘firework’ effect that blazes right through summer into late autumn. Further down the valley is a tree fern glade and a gate leading to the South West Coast Path, with views to Pudcombe Cove.
KILLERTON
Close to Exeter, Killerton has an elegant garden and a calm air about it. In the grounds there’s an old icehouse which once stored ice for the household – now it’s a winter roost for bats. This grand estate holds many rare trees and shrubs, and up on ‘The Clump’ is the site of an extinct volcano.
HIDCOTE
Hidcote, in the Cotswolds, heightens all the senses. There are intricate garden ‘rooms’, paths to secret gardens and surprises around every corner, including a tree-lined wilderness.
Watch the world go by in the plant house, where the garden’s creator, Lawrence Johnston, first grew tender plants. Here the air is heavy with powerful fragrances, and just outside the cool, quiet pools are teeming with underwater creatures, such as protected great crested newts and more common frogs and toads.
STOURHEAD
For landscape design on a grand scale Stourhead on the Wiltshire/ Somerset border is not to be missed. In the 1700s it was called a ‘living work of art’ and this is still true today. Meandering paths around the lake offer vistas through trees to classical temples, a grotto and surprises at every turn. Further afield are King Alfred’s Tower, chalk downlands and ancient woods.
BARRINGTON COURT
DEEPER into Somerset, Barrington Court has a white garden and also rose, iris and lily gardens all designed with the help of renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Traditionally the Kitchen Garden was the larder of any country house and at Barrington it still produces fruit and vegetables each year.
TYNTESFIELD
Back towards Bristol sits Tyntesfield, with its imposing Gothic Revival house surrounded by formal terraced garden, patterned box hedges and flower beds. A pair of ornamental gazebos were derelict when the estate was acquired in 2002 but have since been restored, with many of the original Minton wall tiles. Below the house is a perfect walled kitchen garden where you can admire row upon row of carefully tended vegetables. The terrace beds and container planting show off dazzling floral displays, in keeping with late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Please check the National Trust website before visiting for opening times and to find out what to expect from your visit. Some places may need booking in advance.