To Heligan and Back

About 18 months ago Rod and I watched a series of programs on The Lost Gardens of Heligan which we found to be fascinating and whet our appetite  for more. Heligan is located in Mevagissey where we are currently staying, so this morning we set off for a 4 km walk to find the Lost Gardens. 

The walk was very pretty but coud have had more signs showing the way (or have we missed the point - Lost Garden?).

The story goes that back in 1990 two guys (one of which brained stormed The Eden Project) discovered a garden overgrown and untouched for 75 years due to many of the gardeners swapping their gardening tools for weapons and going off to war. Sadly many of them did not return however the restoration that has been undertaken over the last 25 years has been commemorated to them.

We spent about 6 hours trying to see as much of the 200 acres that we could. It was very inspiring and beautiful, hopefully the photos will give you a bit of an idea of what we experienced.

The Jungle, complete with the longest Burmese rope bridge in the UK

Neither of us realised that Rhododrendons could get so big, both the photo above and below are of Rhododrendron trunks and branches. Our visit coincided with prime flowering.

There are some unique sculptures which have been specially commissioned in the last few years, this one is a Mud sculpture called The Giants Head

There are ornate manicured gardens with water features.

There are many restored glass houses.

The Tremayne family have owned the gardens and estate for over 400 years and lease the gardens to TLGOH. The minimal records that have been found show that four generations created a thriving, almost self sufficient community. The traditional gardening and farming practises are still used today, plant lists and planting plans are copied from 100 years ago.

We then made the 4km journey back to our seaside accomodation.