Gardens in Lamorna

Trewoofe House Garden:
01736 810269

Explore a historical garden perched at the top of the rugged Lamorna Valley. Trewoofe was first planted in 1913, when Charles and Ella Naper - two artists who came to join the Lamorna Art Colony - purchased three small Cornish meadows edged with sycamores. Inspired by their surroundings and keen to meld their passions of art and gardens, the Naper's enlarged the ancient leat that runs through the garden on its way to Clapper Mill, and created a pond. They then planted gardens around the house, leasing the rest for growing flowers to be sold at the markets.

Ella Naper's niece began planting the present gardens in 1975, and has utilised the leat to create an extensive bog garden where many moisture-loving plants flourish. Look along its banks and you will find all sorts of varieties of iris, primulas, astillbes and arums. Now the garden is split into two levels bisected by the leat, that you can cross via two little foot bridges to get a closer look at the series of rock beds created on reclaimed granite islands.

Even in such a tiny patch there is plenty more to see, from the sprawling collections of Hostas, Hellebores and Euphorbias, to a variety of Perennials from Australasia, South African bulbs, Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Wander through the small fruit garden where apple and pear trees have fared better than the diminishing vegetable garden, or relax in the shade of the Eucalyptus, Ginko, Silver Birch and Parrotia trees.

Being exposed to salt-laden gales makes gardening here a challenge over winter, but despite this, Trewoofe flaunts a stunning year-round example of what is small is beautiful.

Trewoofe Orchard Garden
01736 810214

Get away from it all in this private and peaceful paradise lying at the head of the Lamorna Valley.

As you approach Trewoofe Orchard down an unmade track through mature light woodland, you really feel like you are escaping to a secret garden. This secluded four-acre garden is a pint-sized paradise, where you can wander in the arms of nature and relax in colourful tranquillity.

It's a family friendly experience, as big, and little, kids will be swept away by the magical sounds and sights of the cascading waterfall, lily-strewn pond and Bluebell woodland. Informal planting encourages you to roam freely, as you catch the waft of Camellias and spring bulbs, shade under pine trees, valley ferns and Gunnera, and explore the natural woodland that borders the stream.

More cultivated lawns and flower beds stretch across on the sloping lawns adjacent to the house, and there are a few benches positioned so you can take full advantage of the beautiful views.

Trewoofe Orchard has been sympathetically planted, constructed and nurtured to enhance the natural beauty of the location.

Chygurno
01736 732153

Indulge your sights and senses in this dramatic garden carved into the cliff edge teetering over the stunning Lamorna Cove.

From its staggering perch on the edge of the ocean, this waterside garden tiers down in steep steps and terraces to meet sheltered woodland. A striking range of vibrant species stands out against a rugged backdrop, and as well as the spectacular sea view, Chygurno also boasts a unique decked vantage point that puts you on eye level with the treetops.

Having been unoccupied for over 20 years, the garden was little more than a cliff-edge jungle when its present owners reclaimed and replanted it in 1998. The present garden has been planted into a maze of steep pathways, steps and terraces that have been carved into the rocks.

In just three acres, a global mix of plants showcases that small is beautiful and diverse. Hardy exotics withstand the salty breeze at the top of the cliff, where, free from the frosts that reach the rest of the valley, succulent species from the southern hemisphere flourish, including Banana plants, Canary Island Foxgloves and Silver Tree ferns. Shrubs and plants that are able to survive outdoors all year round include Aeoniums, Aloes, Agaves, Vestios, Proteas and Lencadendrons.

As you climb down towards the woodland, more traditional Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas line the pathways, and in spring Bluebells carpet the woodland. The tangle and variety of terrain makes this an ideal garden for walkers who like a bit of a challenge.