Trewidden Garden
Visited in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2015
Until recently the far west of Cornwall has been a bit short of gardens, only Trengwainton and St. Michael's Mount rating a mention. Now Trewidden (not to be confused with Trewithen) Trewoofe, Trewoofe Orchard and Chygurno are all open and enjoyable. Trewidden is not a new garden, only new to public opening. The Bolithos have been in this part of Cornwall since time immemorial, their garden - created by T. E. Bolitho in late Victorian times - has been around for long enough to have a magnolia named in its honour. A large and varied garden of lawns, spring shrubs, flowers, tree ferns, ponds and woodland, Trewidden is best known for its collection of over 300 varieties of camellias and for its superb magnolias, one of which is claimed to be the largest veitcheii in the British Isles - which is saying something if you have seen those at Caerhays. A multitude of waymarked paths wind around the garden, leading to a bluebell wood, a tree fern dell (magnificent Dicksonias), a rock garden, a pond garden and much more. Although the garden occupies only around 10 acres, somehow it seems much larger, thanks to the meandering nature of its paths. There is ample car parking and simple refreshments are available.
Off A30 at Buryas Bridge 1 mile west of Penzance
A striking Rhododendron
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Trewithen Garden
This is one of Cornwall's most admired gardens. The government grants it official Historic Garden Grade II status; Good Gardens Guide awards it a top-ranking two stars; the Michelin Green Guide gives it a top three stars; and the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden Finder offers a rave review. We first visited in early March 2003, at a time when little was out except a few spring shrubs - it was beautiful then. In 2004 we were there in early April and were overwhelmed by the beauty and sheer amount of colour. Trewithen is essentially a spring garden but is quite unlike many others in Cornwall, not in a coastal valley or ravine but on a well sheltered level inland site of some 35 acres, planted by George Johnstone in the early 20th century and now immaculately maintained by the Galsworthys, who have added a number of features including a viewing platform and a magnolia fountain. Since our 2003 visit a valley with a series of ponds has been opened up, cherries and heathers have been planted and new herbaceous borders are planned. There is an informative half-hour video and the tea room serves delicious fresh cakes and pastries. Because the house tour is so interesting and so well done, we recommend that the best time to visit is on a Monday or Tuesday in April or May to enjoy both the house and the spring garden at its best.
Trewoofe House in the Lamorna Valley
In May 2008 we had a busy gardens day. There are three gardens in the Lamorna Valley - Chygurno, Trewoofe House and Trewoofe Orchard - and, since we would be passing it on the way to Lamorna, we decided to include Trereife as well. Of the four, Trewoofe Orchard was the undoubted star, Chygurno the most remarkable, Trewoofe House pleasant but not outstanding, and Trereife a waste of time (with two honourable exception - the cafe and a cornish cross). A great bonus was bluebells everywhere.
Trewoofe Orchard in the Lamorna Valley
Orchard in the Lamorna Valley