Cornwall, a gem tucked away in the southwest corner of England, boasts an enchanting charm that’s hard to resist. With its mild, subtropical climate, Cornwall presents a unique garden paradise, flourishing with exotic plant life. These gardens offer more than just visual splendour; they are tranquil, serene havens, perfect for those seeking a bit of peace and natural beauty. Who wouldn’t want to escape to an oasis filled with tropical wonders without even leaving England?
Many flowers (including daffodils and all bulbs) are toxic to pets. Learn how to make your garden safe for pets. For indoor growing, never face indoor foliage to gardens (to help stop birds flying into windows).
The longer season on the Scilly Isles means that local florists continue to sell daffodils long after the season in England. Like all bulbs, daffodils are toxic to pets, so don’t send to homes with animal friends.
Just up the road in Devon, there was uproar a few years ago when the council (without consulting local people) tore down 40 palm trees as part of a ‘revamp’ to celebrity the 100th year anniversary of the Italian gardens. The council later admitted it was a mistake.
The Climate of Cornwall: A Key to Tropical Gardening
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Cornwall enjoys warmer temperatures than the rest of the UK. This warm air nurtures a distinctive ecosystem, where palm trees sway and banana plants thrive. Imagine walking through a rainforest, not in the Amazon, but right here in England. It’s this warm Gulf Stream embrace that makes it all possible.
Even tropics experience seasonal changes, and Cornwall is no exception. Spring brings a burst of growth and colour, as blooms spread across the gardens, painting vivid landscapes. In summer, vibrant flowers sway in gentle breezes, while autumn’s mellow hues create a softer, more contemplative scene. Winter doesn’t leave the garden barren; instead, evergreen exotics hold the fort, keeping the landscape lively.
The Eden Project
Dubbed the world’s largest indoor rainforest, the Eden Project is a marvel. It’s a greenhouse like no other, hosting climates and plants from across the globe. Walking through its biomes, you might find yourself surrounded by lush ferns and towering bamboo, a slice of the tropics right at your fingertips.
Trebah Garden
Trebah Garden offers not just a feast for the eyes, but also stunning coastal vistas. This award-winning garden is home to exotic plants that spill across its 26 acres. As you walk its paths, you might spot giant gunnera leaves stretching out, or dazzling hydrangeas lining your route.
Glendurgan Garden
Glendurgan Garden is an explorer’s delight. With meandering paths and a maze-like layout, it invites curiosity at every turn. Here, you can lose yourself among bamboo groves and towering trees, with each corner offering fresh crystalline views and fragrant air.
Flora and Fauna: Discovering Diversity
The richness of Cornwall’s gardens isn’t confined to flowers alone; these spaces teem with life. From plants to animals, there’s a vibrant community thriving in these green nooks.
Strolling through these gardens, you’ll find banana plants, magnolias, and tree ferns rubbing shoulders with each other. Spiky agaves and yuccas add drama to the landscape, while the presence of vibrant hibiscus and bird of paradise flowers creates splashes of colour.
Plants aren’t the only attraction. These gardens are lively playgrounds for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for an elusive butterfly darting from flower to flower or birds singing their heart out from high branches. Even the smaller creatures, like bees and beetles, play their roles in this buzzing ecosystem.
Cornwall’s gardens are lovely all year round, but they shine brightly from late spring to autumn. April through June offers a carnival of blossoms, while September and October greet you with autumn’s golden touch. These months don’t just promise flowers but also host many garden events.
