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.
Morrab Gardens Bandstand
Penlee House Cornish Cross
Morrab Gardens Fountain
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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.
Northwood Farm Water Garden near St. Neot
This is a most surprising place. The last thing you expect to find at around 700 feet, on the windswept heights of Bodmin Moor, is a luxuriant water garden filled with exotic plants. But, if you can read a map, and don't mind risking your car on the tiny blind lanes to the north of St. Neot, you will be rewarded with a couple of hours of delight. Artist Mackenzie Bell and his partner Justin Stubbings acquired the house, a converted former china clay dry, in 2004. There was a garden with pools but it was then a wilderness. Now, after taking in a further 2 acres of boggy pasture, there are 8 pools, one with a colourful island, several with sculptures and glorious water lilies. Planting is eclectic. The expected marginal plants are mixed with exotics that you might not expect to grow on Bodmin Moor. The striking blend - and sometimes clash - of colours must owe much to Mack's artist's eye, as must the sculptures, some found pieces, dotted around. In the main water garden you will also find a great bank of hydrangeas, a bog garden and a wild area. And don't miss the garden behind the house. Above a grassy terrace, where we enjoyed a cream tea, are two former granite-walled clay settling tanks, now colourful walled gardens. In front of the house is Mack's studio where his land and seascapes are on sale. In the former stables is what must be the 'Loo of The Year'.