Thought we'd better have a trip to the Lost Gardens of Heligan as they have just been named the UK's top visitor garden by readers of Garden News magazine.
This is an annual poll to find the best 100 gardens in the UK. In second place was Bodnant Gardens in Wales and third was Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.
Diggory, the scarecrow, was delighted at Heligan's success!
I snapped a few quick photos as we walked. The artichokes had a fine head of coloured hair.
There was an array of dahlias.
Lots of vegetables too - with Diggory at work in the background..
We moved on from this part of the gardens and ...
into the potting shed. This is the original shed. The garden at Heligan was originally built in the 18th century but went into decline at the beginning of World War I.
The gardens were then 'lost' until a hurricane in 1990 revealed their existence. Restoration started in the early 1990s and gradually the gardens were brought back to life.
The photo above and below is of the Sundial Garden, quite a pleasant place to sit. But Heligan has so many sections to enjoy from formal gardens to jungle!
Moving on we come to a lots more dahlias - and several varieties.
Must admit I like dahlias so snapped a couple of close- ups …
… of colours I like.
The Stewards House by the dahlia is now a café.
Moving on to a change of scenery ...
… and a few attractive pink hydrangeas.
The scene changes again …
… to a jungle and a lost valley (no longer 'lost' of course)
Large plants - including gunnera seem to be everywhere, and water too.
Now we have trees ...
… and there's often something unexpected.
A seat and shelter almost hidden away.
There is so much more to the Lost Gardens of Heligan spread over 200 acres.
Below is a view of the coastline from the gardens.
I have several other posts on Heligan, with photos:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: 18 Photos of Farm Animals, Plants and Jungle
The Lost Gardens of Heligan In July :16 Photos
Lost Gardens of Heligan in Winter : 11 Photos
Thirteen February Photos of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
This is a wonderful blogpost, Mike, and reminds me that at some point I must visit these gardens! Your photos are really beautiful, and I too love Dahlias so yet another reason to visit... if only I had the time. This year is rushing on at an unexpected pace. Sending my best wishes to you and yours :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Prue, so lovely to hear from you. Yes, the year is going so fast, I'm sure time speeds up as we get older. Will pop over to your blog to see if you have written a new post.
DeleteAll best wishes.
What a terrific collection of photos, Mike! I’ve never seen an artichoke in bloom and it reminds me of a thistle. The variety of plantings is delightful and that coastal view is so lovely. Thanks for all of these happy shots!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. It's lovely in Cornwall at the moment as we are having a warm spell of sunshine. Monday will be extra busy though with visitors as it is a Bank Holiday (Public Holiday). All best wishes.
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