Found...The Lost Gardens of Heligan! (Lost Gardens of Heligan)

Name: Picasso

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Lost Gardens of Heligan
Date:	23.10.00 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great day out for adults

Disadvantages: not so sure about children.

The story of The Lost Gardens of Heligan is compelling. In 1790, the Tremaynes developed 57 acres of their property as a series of wonderful gardens. During the 1st World War however the home was converted into a military convalescent home and most of its twenty plus gardeners enlisted. Along came World War II and the house was used by American soldiers, it was later converted into flats. Although the Tremaynes still owned the gardens, by now nature had taken hold, the gardens neglected and finally "lost".

In 1990 the estate was inherited by John Willis who together with archaeologist Tim Smit, his business partner John Nelson and a dedicated team made tentative inroads into what had by now become a jungle. The gardens were rediscovered and by 1992 parts were opened to the public and by 1995 most of the restoration was complete.

Heligan is now a real working, productive garden and is the most visited private garden in Britain. It has been described by The Times as "the garden restoration of the century".

I visited the gardens in September and although many of the summer flowers had finished, the autumnal feel was enchanting. Indeed the whole place has a somewhat eerie atmosphere. The gardens include such treasures as the vegetable garden, the ravine, the Italian garden and my favourite, the sundial garden.

Even if you are not mad about gardens you need to allow yourself at least half a day here as there are some excellent walks. Most people however seemed to be making a day of it. There are a number of picnic areas located in beautiful settings and there is an excellent restaurant, The Willows which serves food grown in the gardens and most of it organic. A tea room serves light meals and delicious Cornish pasties can be bought from the cafe which also sells clotted cream ice creams.

Most of the gardens are accessible by wheelchairs or push chairs except for The Lost Valley which is a wooded area and
strong walking shoes are required. Dogs are also allowed but only if kept on a lead as there is a variety of wildlife living amongst the gardens.

The Lost Gardens are open all year round and can be found at Pentewan, St. Austell. There is also a website www.heligan.com where amongst other items you
can purchase seeds and plants from the flowers cultivated there.

Summary: