Private gardens in Cornwall and Devon open for charity

PRIVATE gardens are opening to the public in Cornwall and Devon this summer as part of The National Garden Scheme.

Founded in 1927 to raise funds for community nurses, the scheme aims to raise substantial sums for some of the best-loved health charities such as Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinsons UK.

In 2023, over £3.4 million was raised nationally and more than £58,000 was proudly raised in Cornwall.

A list of upcoming gardening events taking place in Cornwall and Devon in late June and July:

A landscaped garden in different areas, starting with the front garden with an abundance of colorful plantings and a morning area with a water area.

The side path gives interest with a rock. The rear garden has a rose garden, lawn, pretty conservatory, patio and larger shrubs with planting making the most of the space.

Visitors comment on the inspiration they get for their own garden plants. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/46998/highways

Half an acre of colorful garden overlooking Lundy. A garden of spirit, humor, unusual ideas, installation art, puzzles, volcano and many surprises.

Water features, shrubs, foliage area, grasses in an unusual setting, fernery, bonsai and multi-purpose tunnel, plus masses of colorful plants. You will never have seen a garden like this.

The garden is suitable for children and a free leaflet is available. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21264/harbour-lights

1950’s home with mature trees, flower gardens established about 5 years ago, just over 1 acre incorporating a waterfall, pond and lawned areas. Filled with many plants and shrubs, including over 100 named roses, several varieties of hydrangeas and fragrant plants galore.

There is an outside kitchen area, pergolas, a fruit and vegetable garden with cut flowers which the garden also uses for dried flowers. For more information visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44437/firste-park

The Old Granary is a four-year-old barn conversion with a small garden. It includes a greenhouse, a log cabin used as a Bowen therapy studio and a small shed.

I grow cut flowers in the back of the sale garden and the remaining borders are a colorful and exuberant example of what can be achieved in a small space. The style is relaxed and casual, quite cottagey with a few quirky twists. For more information visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/46326/the-old-granary

Menheniot Gardens are a group of five gardens and three community spaces set in an attractive old mining village, all within reasonable walking distance of the sports pavilion.

These consist of cottage gardens, private gardens and community spaces. There is a wide range of plants and shrubs and a section on re-propagation which should be of interest to most visitors. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18858/menheniot-gardens

Largely created since 1979, this four-acre garden overlooking the Taw Estuary has a benign microclimate that allows many rare and tender plants to grow and thrive, both outdoors and in the walled garden.

A few strategically placed folios complete the enclosures and views of the garden. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/9645/upper-gorwell-house

A delightful garden by Frenchmans Creek, on the Lizard, which is the setting for the Kestle Barton Gallery; wildflower meadow, Cornish orchard of named varieties and a formal garden with block prairie planting by James Alexander Sinclair.

It is a riot of color in summer and continues to delight until the end of summer. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/16162/pinsla-garden

An ancient town, Lostwithiel dates from the C12. A lively and colorful little town with a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

The pop-up garden group comprises five great little spaces, each with their own sense of style, but typically small-town gardens.

They are guaranteed to inspire those who have their own small garden and show what can really be done with such a small space. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/47032/lostwithiel-gardens

Vibrant 4 acre south facing coastal garden with stunning views of Talland Bay, Talland Ancient Church and surrounding hills.

Mature Monterey pines lead directly to the SW Coast Path. The restoration of this historic churchyard garden has been an ongoing labor of love since 2018.

Walkways and steep steps meander through terraced gardens with places to rest and enjoy the wonderful views. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45804/the-old-vicarage

Antony Woodland Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Cornwall. It is a paradise of peace and quiet, the perfect place for a pleasant walk, a picnic, for children to explore and for those interested in gardening, to enjoy a magnificent variety of plants.

As the “International Camellia Garden of Excellence”, it holds the National Collection of Camellia japonica. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44438/antony-woodland-garden-woodland-walk

In essence, this is a garden of plants. Winding paths lead through a series of themed rooms with familiar, rare and unusual plants.

Steps lead up to an elevated vantage point looking west over Caradon Hill and Bodmin Moor. Other paths take you on a circular route through a rose garden, hot beds, a tropical area and a secret garden. For more information visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33202/anvil-cottage

A newly created garden, planted during 2023, on the site of a former mill. It contains a variety of specimen young trees, herbaceous borders, an extensive collection of intersectional peonies (ITOH), roses, small pond and water feature.

The garden is laid out on different levels on a gently sloping plot with several seating areas to relax in the sun or shade. There are gravel paths and some steps. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45998/lametton-mill

The gardens at Trevina are both old and new. From a Victorian cottage garden with original cobbled paths to wild woodlands.

A trout pond takes the place of a medieval fishpond and the site of a Cornish round. There is a traditional kitchen garden and an organic orchard.

The gardens have color and interest all year round, from the first snowdrops, bluebells, apple blossom and ripe apples in October. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44980/trevina-house

Two very different gardens within a few minutes drive of each other. 9 Higman Close, a bustling, ever-changing, unapologetic garden full of good plants, with colour, smell and surprises. Greenhouse full of cacti and succulents, some over 35 years old.

The garden at South Bosent is currently developed from farmland. The aim is to create a mix of interesting plants coupled with wildlife habitat on a total of 9½ acres.

Several garden areas, wooded gardens, a meadow, ponds of various sizes, inc. river and waterfall. In the spring, the bellwood trail runs along the creek. To book visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45012/dobwalls-gardens

A nature/wildlife/herb/sensory acre on sloping land that is autism friendly. Year-round interest with rare and unusual plants.

Thirteen ponds (koi, lilies), stream, Japanese and Mediterranean gardens, wildflower meadow, bulbs galore. Ericaceous plants, including camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons, maples, hydrangeas. For more information visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33324/musselbrook-cottage-garden

A truly beautiful, peaceful garden with unusual plants and exciting use of colour, a garden to visit again and again. Enchanting, magical place, one of our favorites that inspired us a lot.

A real asset to NGS and fabulous homemade teas by the river. To book tickets visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33980/greatcombe

The garden at West Kitcham is a “work in progress”. The house and garden are set in beautiful countryside with extensive views over farmland to Dartmoor.

The garden comprises a range of old and new beds, with new planting around the garden, taking into account our changing climate.

Visitors can enjoy the garden, small orchard, vegetable garden and walk through the woodland and wildflower areas. Advance booking is essential, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/46125/the-black-farmer-at-west-kitcham-farm

The small city garden developed over 11 years by enthusiastic amateur gardeners. Herbaceous borders, rock. Tropical, including bananas, ginger and senecio. There is also stream and water features, roof garden, Japanese-inspired tea room and courtyard with bridge.

Fig and Pawlonia flank area provide secluded spots. Living pergola. New area of ​​ponds and water features with removal of sheds and overgrown areas. For more information visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21337/byeways