The Lost Gardens of Heligan

About The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years, is one of the most mysterious estates in England. At the end of the nineteenth century its thousand acres were at their zenith, but only a few years after the Great War of 1914 bramble and ivy were already drawing a green veil over this ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Today over 200 acres wait to be discovered, with a wide variety of landscapes open for exploration. In the Northern Gardens the award-winning restoration of Heligan’s working Productive Gardens combine with Victorian Pleasure Gardens including a secluded Italian Garden connected to the rocky alpine Ravine, the secret Crystal Grotto and Wishing Well and the formal Northern Summerhouse and Sundial Gardens. The Wider Estate incorporates longer walks through beautiful Cornish countryside and ancient broadleaved woodlands, whilst the pioneering Wildlife Project offers an intimate view of native wildlife. Also discover an historic and unique National Collection of Rhododendrons and Camellias introduced to Heligan pre-1920. Heligan’s Jungle sits in a steep-sided valley, which creates a microclimate at least 5 degrees warmer than the Northern Gardens and provides a home for a wide array of sub-tropical plantings. This exuberant garden hosting a riot of luxuriant foliage and outstanding trees, exotic plantings and inspiring views, draws the imagination on a journey far from our temperate shores. The variety of habitats throughout the gardens and estate provide a breadth of seasonal interest, including spring flowers, mosses and lichens, ferns and autumn fungi, as well as a considerable range of resident and visiting birds, owls, bats, butterflies and moths, insects, reptiles and small mammals. Heligan is so much more than a garden restored; its own special atmosphere encourages exploration and contemplation, satisfying the broadest range of horticultural and wildlife interest.

At 10.30 Head Gardener, Nicola, will give an introductory talk. The group will be split to tour both gardens, accompanied by Nicola and Chris (from the gardening team), after which visitors can go on to visit the Jungle in their own time and explore. Sturdy footwear is recommended.