[Umbrian]

Any suggestions for lesser known, but worth seeing ,gardens inCornwall during the month of May anyone?

[pamela]

Well, if I going to Cornwall my first stop would be Burncoose Gardens and Nursery.  I haven't been but it sounds a wonderful place.

[pamela]

Typo...If I WERE going..........sorry!

[Daisy]

Umbrian, I don't know about lesser known gardens, but my personal favourites are;
Trebah Gardens
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Eden Project
Bosvigo
If you like wandering around Garden Centres, then, Bodmin Plant and Herb Nursery is not far away from Trelawney Garden Leisure and one tiny one full of treasures, is Constantine Garden Nursery which is not too far away from Trevenna Cross Nursery.
However, my very best one, which is worth all the trouble of reaching it, is, Tresco Abbey Gardens.
This to me is a magical place.
You can fly from Newquay Airport, or take a helicopter from Penzance, or a ferry from Penzance
I went there a couple of times, when I lived in Cornwall, once in February and once in July.
Both times have given me the most wonderful memories.
Have a look at this website.

http://www.gardensofcornwall.com/

Of the gardens they list, that I visited, the only ones that I found slightly disappointing were;
Pinsla Garden and Nursery. A bit run down and straggly.
The Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery. Old, dark and boring.
Burncoose Gardens and Nursery. Wonderful R.H.S. show displays, but the gardens and nursery, to me, did not come up to expectations.
Bear in mind that all of these are personal opinions and that the gardens may have been refurbished, since my visits.
Daisy

[Alisdair]

I'd add Trewithen and Trengwainton to Daisy's list, though it's many years since we've been there.
In St Mawes right beside the Tresanton Hotel (which I like but which is expensive) there's quite an interesting steep terraced garden that aims at a Mediterranean style and is probably the closest to a Mediterranean garden that can be found in the unlikely climate of Cornwall.

[Umbrian]

Many thanks Alasdair and Daisy for your suggestions that I shall look into - obviously it will be more a trip down memory lane than a search for Mediterranean gardens but your responses show how useful the Forum can be in so many ways.

[cycnich]

The whole of the Cornish coastal path is better than any garden and in May a sea of colour and beautiful plants in their natural habitat. Hard work in places but worth every effort

[Alisdair]

Better get your hiking boots on, Carole: Pat's pictures make that coastal path very tempting!

[cycnich]

A few more pictures to whet your appetite

[Umbrian]

  What a wonderful response to my query and some very tempting suggestions. The photographs did indeed whet my appetite but I fear there will not be time to do much long distance walking and the hiking boots may have to stay at home. So far we have booked a couple of nights at the hotel you suggested Alasdair and are planning an itinerary in that area. Bosvigo seems an absolute must.
Many thanks to all members who posted