Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. Originally the gardens were part of the estate owned by the Cornish Tremayne family. After the First World War, which led to the deaths of 16 out of the 22 gardeners, the gardens fell into a state of neglect until Tim Smit and a group of fellow enthusiasts decided to restore the garden to its former glory. Their attempt proved to be an outstanding success, not only revitalising the gardens, but also the local economy around Heligan by providing employment.

The gardens now boast a fabulous collection of aged and colossal rhododendrons and camellias, a series of lakes fed by a ram pump over a century in age, highly productive flower and vegetable gardens, an Italian garden, and a stunning wild area filled with primaeval-looking sub-tropical tree ferns called "The Jungle", see photo. The gardens also have Europe's only remaining Pineapple Pit, warmed by rotting manure, and two figures made from rocks and plants known as the Mud Maid and the Giant's Head.

The style of the gardens is typical of the nineteenth century Gardenesque style, with areas of different character and in different design styles.

Note: We bought one of our first Cannas from here, it had grown outdoors for over seventy years before the gardens were civilised again.

Visitors to the Canna Trials 2008 might consider visiting this unique garden, although it is a day away from London. There are many other gardens and exotic garden nurseries in the neighbourhood as well.