Discover the gardens and Eden
Cornwall is home to some of the nation’s most breathtaking green spaces, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
CORNWALL may be renowned for its picturesque fishing ports, idyllic countryside and delicious cream teas but it also boasts a number of stunning and historic gardens that are at their height of beauty in spring. Assisted by the warmth of the Gulf Stream, several are stocked with rare and unusual specimens, including sub-tropical plants which thrive in the mild coastal climate.
Spring arrives a little earlier in Cornwall than in other parts of the country, so if you can get away for a mini-break in April to explore the eclectic mix of garden landscapes, you are in for a treat.
Spring is officially declared in Cornwall when six champion magnolia trees at the Great Gardens oftrebah,trewidden, Caerhays, Heligan,tregothnan and Trewithen each produce 50 blooms.this year it happened on February 18.
THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN
No trip to Cornwall would be complete without a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan.they fell into disrepair after the Firstworldwar and were rediscovered beneath a sea of brambles and ivy in 1990. Now lovingly restored to their former glory, they are celebrating their 30th anniversary.
Heligan offers plant and wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to explore 200 acres of gardens and woodlands.
The gardens are open every day except Christmas Day.
● heligan.com
THE EDEN PROJECT
Nestled in a huge crater the size of 30 football pitches, the Eden Project’s massive tropical biomes house authentic South African, Californian and Mediterranean gardens.
Outdoors, a 30-acre garden in what was once a sterile clay mine is brimming with landscapes that feature everything from ornamental flowering plants to crops used for medicines, fuels and food.
● edenproject.com
TREBAH GARDEN
With its stunning water garden, giant gunnera passageway and tree fern dell, this sub-tropical paradise recently played host to the film crew of the latest remake of classic film The Secret Garden. Due to be released this April, it stars Dame Julie Walters and Colin Firth.
The garden is open 362 days a year, depending on the weather.
● trebahgarden.co.uk
EXPLORE A SECRET GARDEN IN APRIL
Between April 14 and 30, St Mawes Hotel in Cornwall is offering guests a “Secret Garden” experience.
This includes a private screening of the 1993 version of the film starring Dame Maggie Smith, for 25 people in the hotel’s Hidden Cinema.
The package also includes a two-night stay in a room with a sea view, Cornish breakfast, one dinner at the hotel and another at sister hotel The Idle Rocks.
The cost is £295 per person.
● 01326 270 270/stmaweshotel.com