The Garden

The 4+ acre sub-tropical woodland garden was designed and created on the edge of the wild Cucurrian valley by the owner (a local artist). Over five hundred trees and shrubs from around the world have been planted on what was once rough hill pasture. Large earth-moving machinery was used to create the flat terraced lawns edged with huge granite boulders; a grotto was constructed and two huge menhirs (standing stones) re-positioned. Most areas are easily accessible and gentle, often wide, paths transverse the many levels.

There is a spectacular lily pool with giant Gunnera plants and an orchard planted in 1998 as part of the Re-introduce Orchards back to Cornwall Project. It contains old varieties of Cornish apple trees.

Below the more formal terraced lawns, ancient meadow is left for wild flowers, pheasants' nests and the occasional Cornish Blue butterfly. Here can be seen remains of megalithic field structures.

An impressive avenue of Phormiums (native to New Zealand) edge a wide path to the valley below. For the more active and adventurous, the wild valley descends through mature woodland to two wildlife ponds and a stream called The Red River with waterfalls along its route to the sea at Marazion.

Amongst the natural species planting continues with a number of specimen plants - a Tree Rhododendron from Sri Lanka and Camellias, Magnolia and four magnificent Tree Ferns from New Zealand surrounded by native ferns - which have adapted and grown well. Throughout the garden can be found various sculptures, Cornish Bogwood and statues, many of local materials created by local artists.

Mixed woodland to the right of The Cabin planted in 1997 is now beginning to show itself to some advantage, with species such as Turkey Oak and Sweet Chestnut which are wind and salt hardy.

Colour can be found within the garden throughout the year but it is in the Spring and early summer that the Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Magnolias for which Cornwall is famous are at their best and the woodland and country lanes are full of bluebells and primroses. Guests are encouraged to explore the garden's many delights. Most of the paths are easily navigable with only a small section which is steep within the wild wood. Particular care should be taken in wet or damp conditions. Sensible footwear is a must.