Marsh Villa near St. Blazey
The Stevens' ancestral farm has been turned into probably Cornwall's finest summer garden. Since 1985 Judith Stevens has gradually created a compartmented garden of great variety - she was still working on a new rock garden when we were there in April and July 2006. Specimen trees and escallonia hedges are carefully planted to lead from one area to another - a colourfully bordered Square Garden, a Sunken Garden, underplanted light woodland, a large pond with waterlilies and a path all round. Beyond the main garden, marshland is being reclaimed and paths cut through it. Mrs Stephens is always happy to chat with visitors. Mr. Stevens gives entertaining introductory talks and will give guided tours. A lovely garden, worth visiting time and again. Marsh Villa can be a little difficult to find, hidden as it is between St. Blazey, Par and Tywardreath. It is probably best to approach from the A390, turning south at the St. Blazey traffic lights, then left at the cross roads for about 600 yards. The garden is on your left just before the railway. Parking is ample and there are light refreshments near the entrance to the garden.
We try to visit each year and find the garden gets steadily better.
Water lilies cover most of the pond
Between St. Blazey, Par and Tywardreath
Back at Marsh Villa in May 2009. It was looking wonderful and the new rockery was maturing nicely.
Back again August 2011, combining with Hidden Valley. Still lovely. Good value tea; superb cakes.
More in Gardens
Morrab Gardens, Penzance
Morrab House was built in 1842, its land running down to the sea in Penzance, Indeed its Cornish name Morrep means "next to the sea". By the time Penzace Corporation purchased the property in 1888 there were already extensive gardens. In 1904 a South African War Memorial was erected in the gardens and in 1905 the bandstand was built; both have been restored recently Nearby are a pool and fountain. There was originally a tall Cornish Cross near the house but this now stands near the entrance of Penlee House Museum and Gallery at the other end of Morrab Road. The garden, since the early 20th century has been known for its Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants. There are also regular herbaceous borders and island beds. When one considers the financial constraints placed on councils like Penzance the gardens are well tended and a very pleasant place to wander.
Mount Edgcumbe Gardens and Country Park
Edgcumbe Gardens and Country Park
Moyclare Garden, Liskeard
The name may seem a little unusual and somewhat un-Cornish, but for a good reason. The name derives from the original owner, Moira Read, and her Irish origins in County Clare. it is now in the care of Elizabeth and Philip Henslowe. The garden at Moyclare was established in 1927, and hosts a fine variety of plants, shrubs and trees in one acre of sheltered flat ground around the house. Many are unusual and some are quite rare. After touring the garden, we enjoyed a cup of tea and a piece of cake while talking to owner Elizabeth. Public opening is April to August inclusive, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, 2 to 5 p.m. Groups may book at other times. We enjoyed our visit in late May 2019; here are a couple of the many photos I took.