head gardener's ramblings...
We do offer guided tours of the garden, which do have to be pre-booked (details are in the general information for groups pack).
ideas for tour of the garden
This is a “suggested” route to take in the main points of interest; however, please explore and enjoy the garden – that’s what it's all about!
start
From the ticket office, head down the hill towards the house. This area was re-landscaped in 2001 to accommodate a pathway suitable for wheelchair use. In 2002/3 we added the Plant Sales area and plans are already in hand to extend this at some point in the near future.
On the left is the National Museum of Gardening (we have enough items to possibly extend this further). Next to it is our Guest Toy Museum. All toys have been collected by Colin Gregory, a reporter on the West Briton.
the main lawn
Entering the garden through the Conservatory takes you into the main lawn. You may wish to enter through the double gates which will bring you out onto the “Sundial Lawn” – follow path around the side of the House and this will bring you out onto the main lawn too.
The mature trees ahead of you are marked on the main map. To the right, beyond the flowering cherries, is the Serpentine Yew Tunnel, which runs the full length of the lawn. To the left is the old summerhouse used by the family many years ago. This stands on a turntable which could be “cranked” around to follow the sun. Below, and to the left of, the summer house, we have planted the banks with summer-flowering plants from the Southern Hemisphere and Mediterranean – over 100 different species and cultivars so far.
The route takes you straight across the lawn to the Italian Garden A.
the italian garden
The black wrought iron fence and ancient Italianate ruin date back to 2001AD. The camellia columns (williamsii “Donation”) have been transplanted to their present location from different areas of the garden and have now established successfully. The formal border edges are Camellia “Cornish Spring”. On the banks, to the left and right of the steps we have introduced a Sedum (Stonecrop) Lawn which is covered in pink, white or yellow flowers in early summer. Walk through the Italian Garden and follow path B to the Bluebell Woods C.
the bluebell wood/valley and bog garden
The bluebells are quite breathtaking in April and May. The woodland itself is predominantly Beech, planted around 1800. It is hoped that we will be opening the garden in the evenings as time goes on, hence the lighting that you see. The area is quite cathedral-like and ethereal when lit. The path winds down to the Bog Garden E, with its “Giant Rhubarb” (Gunnera manicata)and other marginal plants, and on past the two Pet Cemeteries, one for the family dogs and one for the cats!
This area is also home to an interesting bamboo collection – some are quite rare – and some unusual oaks, including the bamboo-leaved oak (Quercus myrsinifolius).
trevarno lake
When you reach the lake F, it is worth taking a left turn over the bridge to get a view of the Victorian Boathouse (a listed building) and the Pinetum behind. The large deciduous conifer on the island is the distinctive Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distchum). The water from the lake runs back into a series of leats and waterways, which lead to Trevarno Mill about half a mile downstream. Opening the mill and pathways is a major future restoration project and it is likely that the meadow there will be “developed” as a wildflower area. The path along the south side of the lake is now open, but our suggested route takes you back to F and the lake lawn and onto the Victorian Boathouse G. Continuing on past the boathouse you enter the Pinetum.
the pinetum and cascade
Most of the large specimen trees in this area were planted in the mid C19th. Many are named on the map. The Bickford-Smith family were particularly keen on the Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) – there are half dozen of these throughout the Pinetum area. There is also a collection of southern hemisphere conifers: Kauri Pine (Agathis australis), Totaras (Podocarpus species), Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinium) to mention some of them. Continue on towards the Cascade at the end of the lake H.
the lake
The large Tree Ferns (Dicksonia Antarctia) are a new addition planted in the Autumn of 2001.
the grotto and rockery
This area is well worth exploring. The fountain in the small pond and running water inside the Grotto are now functioning for the first time in many years. There is a wealth of unusual shrubs in this area.
From point 1 – near the Cascade, we suggest that you take the path towards M + N past the fantastic multi stemmed Thujopsis dolobrata.
At N go up one small flight of steps and turn right (along Liz’s walk) towards the Terraces O. In spring look out for the Magnolia wilsonii above your head – you can only see the flowers from below.
the terraces and gothic potting shed
The steps down through the Terraces used to form the route from the house to the lake and the boathouse. The upper section of the steps has now grown over with Rhododendron ponticum. The Gothic Potting Shed houses an old boiler, which heated the greenhouses in the walled garden. Interestingly it is spilt into 3 levels inside.
This is also on the list as a future restoration project. Follow the path up the Walled Garden Entrance P.
the walled garden
It is believed that this was built around 1838, the glasshouses on the North Eastern Wall were added later. This area has not been used productively since the 1980’s. We began the restoration and renovation of this area in 2001. As with other areas of the garden our challenge is to renovate and improve without going “too far” and spoiling the overall charm and character. Some details of our plans can be found on the information board in the Upper Walled Garden.
It is hoped that in time we will grow our own lavender and other herbs for use in our Herbal products .
Walk along the top path to Q and out of the small walled garden.
Turn left to R and through the Serpentine Yew Tunnel. This brings you to S and return to the main lawn, house and conservatory.
as more projects get underway, further information will be added, however, here are a few that are not included above:
Viewing area – an area from the Sundial Lawn to the lower garden with a view towards the Lake and the Gothic Potting Shed.
Excavation of “Ye Olde Carriageway” – started in 2003, this entails clearance of at least 120 years of leaf-mould and laurel growth.
Rejuvenation/Renovation of the Serpentine Garden Border.
A mention should also be made regarding our Bee Centre which was re-done in 2003.
Already working well, the bees seem content and happy buzzing around the estate. Honey from our bees plus other bee products are sold in our shop
