Cornish Garden Photos
Trevarno Estate Gardens

The house at Trevarno was re-modeled in 1839 on previous building of the  early 1700's. 

We first visited the gardens in 1998, the first year they opened to the public. The signs of a good clear up were visible but the  basic amenities for visitors were provided. There was a car park and defined paths around the woodland.  We almost had the place to ourselves although it was a bank holiday weekend. The  place was delightful. The first  makings of the garden implements collection were assembled in the stable building and you could get a cup of tea in the conservatory. There were a few plants for sale but the walled garden was off-limits.

On Wednesday the 16th of April 2003, a day or two before Easter, we visited again. Although a lot busier  the atmosphere was still the same. The exhibition, now laid out in a purpose built building  near the entrance, is fun and informative. The walled garden was open to view.

With  the restoration of the Trevarno water mill with a water mill museum ,  workshops on the making of  handmade paper,  tin smelting and jewelry there will be many more  things to see and do. New gardens are planned  with specific  themes such as  ' plant hunters and pioneers' and plants from specific  regions such as  Australia South Africa and South America there is much to look forward too.

However, I hope somewhere they keep a small part  untended by the hand of man in almost a 'secret garden'  tribute. I will always remember the disappointment of returning to a pristine walled garden at Heligan having seen it in its opening week when the walled garden looked very much as Trevarno's does today. You can tidy up a garden a step too far in my humble opinion . There is something very attractive about a faded old  rose, blooming on regardless of inattention. 

Sandra.  

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Trevarno is also the home of the

National Museum of Gardening

which we also visited.

Return to 

Cornish Gardens Photos

Map of how to find Trevarno Estate

Trevarno Web Site for opening times and entrance fees