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Talking points. Comments and questions on: => MGS branch events => Topic started by: Heather on February 23, 2014, 12:09:01 PM

Title: Spring Gardens in Cornwall - 31 March to 5 April 2014
Post by: Heather on February 23, 2014, 12:09:01 PM
There is one place left on Charles Smith's thoroughly researched visit to wonderful gardens in Cornwall, staying from Monday evening till Saturday at the four-star Budock Vean Hotel on the Helford River. The hotel stay can be extended to include extra nights before or after the event. For more details contact Charles Smith chaswsmith113@gmail.com or by phone +44 (0)1305 854 987. Here is the outline programme.

Tuesday 1 April

Trewidden – Tour by Richard Morton, head gardener (trained at Kew)
Tremenheere – Tour by head gardener and talk from the owner Dr Neil Armstrong.  This has a valley setting with a lower level temperate forest (antipodean plants, shrubs and trees) contrasted with hot climate planting on upper level terraces.  Architect designed buildings (including one by James Turrell), contemporary sculpture and views of St Michaels Mount.

Wednesday 2 April
Ethnevas Cottage – Tour by owner Lyn Watson. A garden owned and run by an enthusiast virtually single handed.  A high valley side yet with large pond and semi-wild bog area. Paths among mature and exotic trees including 40 different conifers.  Shrub and herbaceous beds.
Trenarth – Tour by owner Lucie Nottingham and gardener Jeremy Pedersen.  Another sloping site surrounding a farmhouse and outbuildings.
Cosawes Barton – Talk by new owner Louise Bishop and tour by gardener of 20 years. Elegant house and surrounding garden on a rolling site with long views. The formal courtyards lead to extensive wooded walks more in the nature of an arboretum.

Thursday 3 April
The Garten Garden – Talk and tour by owner Dr Sara Gadd. Sara is a garden designer whose ideas are explored through continuous experimentation in her own garden.  Organic, artistically executed areas embrace the competing demands of beauty, wildlife, family and food production.
Carminowe Valley Gardens – Tour by owner Marion Stanley, who is the NGS co-ordinator for this area of Cornwall. Formal areas lead down to a natural pond, brook and oak woodland.  Plenty of bulbs for spring interest.
Bonython Manor – Tour by owner Sue Nathan.  Georgian manor house with an extraordinary range of planted areas.  Formal contrasts with modern, potager with orchards; lakes accessed through woodland under-planted with wild flowers and late-flowering daffodils.

Friday 4 April

Tresco Abbey Gardens – Isles of Scilly