Trebah Gardens Cornwall

Falmouth Harbour

We have moved from the north coast of Cornwall to the south coast.Just as we arrive so do the heavy showers. At least it gave me the chance to get a picture of the Rainbow over the harbour. It’s known for its deep natural harbour on the Fal Estuary, and beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase. There is very much a strong maritime history and connection to the sea.Falmouth has the world’s third largest natural deep-water harbour and is the country’s first and last port. We have a wander around the interesting town and a pot of tea. The rain comes back again and we move off to look for a garden.   

There are a couple of excellent gardens close to Falmouth. We have opted for Trebah, a 26-acre sub-tropical garden situated above the Helford River. Originally a wooded valley, it has a rich and fascinating past. Planting began in 1838 and lasted over four decades. Ownership has passed through a number of families including 'The Healeys' of  Austin Healey car fame. We have a wander around the attached Garden Centre as we wait for the rain to stop.Once it eases we set out, armed with our fold up map of the garden layout.

It is approximately 650 metres from the top of the garden down to the beach. We follow the 'Camelia Walk' down through the Beach Path that runs through the centre. In total there are 4 miles of paths. A giant plantation of gunnera and clumps of huge bamboos give this garden a unique and exotic feel.Mediterranean and southern hemisphere plants intermingle with groves of huge Australian tree ferns and palms. There is still plenty to see, despite it being the end of Summer and early Autumn. As we continue our downhill walk the area in our right is called 'Rhododendron Valley' for good reason.

'Hydrangea Valley'

We then move in to Hydrangea Valley. The predominant colour of the Hydrangeas is blue of course. There is every shade across the spectrum from white, pink and purple. The soil is very acidic so will typically generate the blue foliage.Most common are 'Mop-head' Hydrangea macrophylla and the vibrant 'Oxford and Cambridge' Using Ericacious compost can also help to keep the lovely blue colour.Originally planted in the 1950s and the cut blooms were sent to Covent Garden flower market to raise income for the garden. The plants are now over 50 years old but continue to bloom beautifully year upon year. There is a lovely bridge called the 'Mallard Bridge' at the end of the valley. This overlooks the 'Mallard Pond' where the two acres of Hydrangeas are mirrored in the ripples of the water. Behind the pond is Trebah Beach (Polgwidden Cove). There doesn't seem to be an obvious way of getting through to the beach unfortunately.

 It isn't exactly beach weather at the moment as the rain starts again.The beach has a rich history. During World War Two, it was concreted and the boathouse and rocks were dynamited to allow access for tanks. The garden was used as an ammunition store, and trenches dug in the lower part of the garden.

On 1 June 1944, a regiment of 7,500 men of the 29th US Infantry Division embarked from Trebah Beach in ten 150-foot flat-bottomed LST landing craft. For five days they battled through treacherous seas to the Isle of Wight, and then on to the D-Day assault landing on Omaha Beach in Normandy, where they suffered grievous casualties.A memorial at the bottom of the garden commemorates the courage of these brave young American soldiers.

Loch Ness Monster ?

Flowing water

We make our way back up the garden following the 'Davidia Walk'. A trail of water flows all the way down from a natural spring at the top. It flows through a series of pools surrounded by lush planting and glossy green leaves from dozens of Arum Lilies. The highlight of the water garden trail would have to be the Koi Pool. The trickle of the water makes for a highly relaxing and tranquil space. The Koi Pool was created in the 1980’s with a statuesque backdrop of huge granite boulders now concealed by the foliage of Rubus tricolor (the thornless Chinese Bramble).  The crystal clear pool is home to around a dozen 10 -15 yr old Koi Carp. In perfect conditions, these highly coloured fish can grow up to a metre long. Their usual life span is 25 – 35 years. As well as the Koi there are also a couple of Sturgeon. One of which is massive, probably around 3 ft in length I would say. 

It has been a lovely relaxing wander around the garden. Of course the weather could have been better but it hasn't spoiled the visit. It truly is a sub tropical paradise. We adjourn to the Cafe for a herbal tea and a pastry. It seems the local Robin very much enjoys a pastry too. It suspect he doesn't have the same issues with cholesterol that I do. A battle that hasn't been improved by numerous Cornish Pasties on this trip..He has certainly done this before and is very confident So confident in fact that he is happy to take food from the hand.   

A lovely visit and somewhere to return to again, probably in the Springtime to see a different picture.