Spring has sprung in Cornwall!

On the 24th of February, Sam Galsworthy, The High Sheriff of Cornwall and Trewithen Gardens’ owner declared the arrival of spring in the shade of the final flowering champion Magnolia campbellii. Toby Ashworth, Proprietor of The Nare Hotel founded Cornwall’s Spring Story, celebrating the fact that, thanks to Cornwall’s mild sub-tropical climate, spring arrives here first. The moment each of six champion magnolia trees in the Great Gardens of Cornwall have 50 blooms, spring has arrived in England. 

Our champion Magnolia ‘Charles Raffil’, was the last of these six trees to reach 50 blooms: eight days later than last year. This moment has been much anticipated, particularly following our Spring Celebration on February 15th, when the gardens opened for the day for our season ticket holders.

Spring Celebration

Despite the Cornish mizzle, everyone turned out in great spirits for a wonderful day celebrating the imminent arrival of spring. Head Gardener, Gary Long led a walk to the Charles Raffill magnolia to conduct the bloom count. On the day, Spring couldn’t be declared just yet... so it’s such a joy that, with the gardens open for the season on 1st March, visitors will be able to enjoy all the buds and blooms as spring takes hold.

A highlight of the Spring Celebration was tree planting at Big Downs, where 30 season ticket holders planted a mix of Oak, Hazel, Field Maple, and Sycamore trees. The saplings will play an important role forming shelter belts, and extending existing woodland surrounding Eagle Ponds. There was a real sense of excitement to root new life into this beloved landscape, and a few will be checking in regularly to see how the trees are getting on!

Kitty Galsworthy welcomed everyone back to the gardens and officially unveiled the newly designed garden entrance, including Rhododendron Glade. 

We so look forward to seeing visitors return to the Trewithen Gardens on Saturday 1st March. With new opening times of 9am till 4pm daily, we hope that you can enjoy morning walks first thing, as well as coffee and breakfast at the Tea Shed. Season tickets can still be purchased, to enjoy the gardens for spring and summer to come.