Trewithen Gardens Highlights
At every turn of Trewithen's level gravelled pathways, there is some new wonder to behold. From champion trees to rare shrubs, from a wildflower meadow to woodland glades, exotic fern collections and tree top viewing platforms, it would be hard to find anywhere more beautiful or more intriguing than Trewithen's deservedly famous garden. Raised viewing platforms take visitors closer to the blooms, many of which are high in the trees, providing a rare opportunity to see over the floral canopy.The Magnolia Fountain was inspired by the magnificent magnolia blooms for which Trewithen is famous. Created out of granite and bronze it is regarded as a work of art - not just for its beauty but also for the atmosphere it creates with its falling water carefully controlled to sound like a babbling brook.
Trees have particular significance at Trewithen. The garden boasts 24 Champion Trees, which have been inspected by the Tree Register and found to be either the tallest or the widest of their species in the UK. The Camera Obscura, the only one in Cornwall, is housed in a wooden hut high in the canopy of the trees. It is an unusual and fascinating device that projects an image from outside onto a table inside a darkened room.
There is also a peaceful woodland walk - an ideal place to exercise dogs - and the Sycamore Avenue. The avenue is one of the original parts of the garden, with stories that under each of the trees is buried a carriage horse from the Hawkins coach in which they travelled between Trewithen and Trewinnard estate. In 2007 it was under planted with 3000 Cornish bred varieties of daffodils, crocus and scillas to create a beautiful spring display.
At the front of the house there is a small museum housing a number of historical curios - including the only full set of horse boots in Cornwall. Horse boots were made of leather and were worn to stop hooves cutting up the lawn whilst it was being cut. The museum also houses the ‘Travelling Trees' Exhibition that details the gripping history of the Plant Hunters.
