Gardens of the Roseland Peninsula
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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.
Caerhays
Caerhays Castle, which is owned by the Williams family nestles in a secluded valley above Porthluney Cove and this 100-acres of woodland gardens is one of Britain's horticultural treasures. The Gardens are only open from 16 March to 29 May so you have to make the most of a visit. South of Tregony, take the road to Veryan just after (or before!) the Jet garage. Caerhays is well signposted. The garden at Caerhays contains a combination of both spectacular spring displays of enormous tree magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias as well as a huge range of rare woodland trees and shrubs originating primarily from China. It therefore has plenty to offer the more enthusiastic gardeners as well as those who simply want to admire and appreciate the unique spectacle. A must for lovers of magnolias and rhododendrons.
Poppy Cottage Garden
Located on the main road just north of Ruan Highlanes, this delightful small garden of 1 acre has been formed from a small uncared plot to one of the best gardens you will see of this size. If you are looking to design a garden on a long fairly narrow plot then you will get many good ideas here. Along one side the garden is split into a series of sheltered garden rooms whilst on the other side there are small sweeping lawns edged with colourful borders. This is a plantsman's garden with brimming with bulbs, herbaceous plants, shrubs, exotic plants and of course poppies. Most of the plants are well labelled. There are plenty of places to sit and at the far end of the garden there is an area with unusual ducks and chickens.
Trewithen House & Gardens
Located off the A390 Truro to St Austell Road, just east of Probus. The gardens at Trewithen are outstanding and internationally famous. Best in Spring they have a magnificent collection of camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and many rare trees and shrubs seldom found elsewhere in Britain. A fine grass avenue leads up to the house bordered by large magnolias. Further pathways take you around the garden where you can see tree ferns, azaleas and acers. Many other features and plants including climbers. A wide range of plants and shrubs are for sale at the plant centre within Trewithen Gardens. The house is also open to the public.
Trelissick
Take a short hop over the King Harry Ferry and the famous Trelissick Gardens are located on the western bank of the River Fal. Owned by the National Trust, Trelissick Gardens are set in more than 400 acres of sweeping parkland with beautiful views of river and estuary. There are large collection of hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons together with sub tropical plants together with a national collection of azaras and photinias. In the dell there are tree ferns hostas and hellebores plus aromatic plants in a small walled garden. Open air music and theatrical events in season are held regularly. There is plenty to see and the walks around the park and woodlands are wonderful.