The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

It seemed an age since we had visited Cornwall's Lost Gardens of Heligan - so that was where we headed.

Once inside we made our way to view the rhododendrons and camellias. Some are very old. It is believed that the oldest date back to 1792. They are definitely very special at this time of year.

We moved on to the arched walkway of apple trees. 

Once the blossom is fully out it'll look lovely.

Not too much to view in the vegetable gardens at the moment, other than the gentleman on display.



We moved on to the glasshouses.

Next flower photos.

We walked on to the Sundial Garden.



A few seats, shrubs and the like and a neat lawn - and not another person in sight.

Moving on to other things such as the dovecot, you might just be able to spot a dove.

Animals now, there is a farm as well as gardens.

The pigs seemed at peace with the world ...

... as did the goats ...

... and sheep. Quite a few lambs were enjoying the sunshine.

Now a few tulips blowing in the wind.

There's 200 acres to explore at Heligan,

A few daffs in the fields.

From here it's possible to see the sea and the fishing village of Mevagissey in the distance.

There were a few paintings on display, including the one below : The wonders of soil.

Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit, perhaps the most interesting part of theLost Gardens of Heligan - the UK's only outdoor jungle and the lost valley. I have mentioned this in previous posts. We have an annual pass so, hopefully, we'll be visiting the jungle soon.

See also: Lost Gardens of Heligan - Voted UKs Top Visitor Garden

Thanks for visiting my blog ~ Mike.

A Touch of Cornish Magic, Animals and Birds

Sometimes there seems to be unexpected magical moments - perhaps time slips. I was at Charlestown and everything was so quiet, not a sound to be heard. I could only see two other people as I clicked my camera for the photo above. It felt as if I had stepped back in time.

Okay, perhaps this is a little fanciful but the next three photos, were snapped at the same place - Spit Beach.  The changing sky altered the appearance of the sea and beach.

Moving along the coast now to the village of Tywardreath the setting of Daphne du Maurier's book, The House on the Strand. Below is the church where some of the scenes are set. The story is about drug induced time travel - so there is a touch of magic lingering here.

Tywardreath, in the Cornish language is : Ti War Dreth. This means a house on a beach or strand. The village was recorded in the Domesday Book way back in 1o86.

Below are some of the village cottages.

And here is an unusual road sign which is no doubt necessary as the road narrows.

Daphne du Maurier moved to this area following the death of her husband in 1965. Her previous Cornish home was at Menabilly which was the inspiration for Manderley featured in her book Rebecca.

Returning to the House on the Strand this mentions the nearby green fields, as below, near Par.

There are Almshouses at Polmear, Par. The first of these houses was built in 18oo by William Rashleigh who, at the time, was the Sheriff of Cornwall.

Nearby Polkerris is also mentioned in the House on the Strand. The first photo is looking down from the cliffs and ...

... and then here we are at sea level as the tide arrives.

I think that's enough of The House on the Strand. So moving on to a happy pig!

A few photos of animals next which I have noticed when out and about.

What a wonderful horse - with his shadow. Where would mankind be without horses.

Of course even a robin can cast a shadow.

The little fellow below was searching for crumbs in a cafe.

A couple more birds I spotted.

Oh, and also a flashy pheasant.

That's about it for today's post, but first a warning - be aware of the Devil Cat when out and about at night!

And on that note I'll close today's post.

All good wishes, stay safe ~ Mike 

A Visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

Was nearby, so looked in at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. All seemed pretty much at usual. The next couple of photos are from the Sundial Garden.

I always like old brickwork, somehow it reminds me of childhood - yes, I have a good memory!

I've left the flowers behind but I always like to see the animals at Heligan. The sheep were indoors as it was haircut time, they seemed happy enough.

The goats are Golden Guernseys.

Flowers growing wild, always something special about seeing poppies, even if there is only one in the photo.

A mixture of plants.

I came across this old tree. At first I thought it looked as if a horse was looking out at the world, but then I thought there were a couple of small white owls peeking out - just a touch of pareidolia I presume.

A group of tall Echiums, often seen in Cornwall. They will look lovely when in flower. I believe they originally came from the Canary Islands.

And, just in case you need a helping hand there's one at Heligan.

This  art work 'In Nature’s Hands' is by Jasmine Fassenfelt and Rebecca Knight.  The work was put in place on the 12th June 2021, to coincide with the G7 Summit, which took place in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.

Of course I have just touched on a small part of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. There are over 200 acres to explore if you have the energy to do so. Following are a few of the flower gardens with an abundance of flowers. 

There are usually lots of dahlia, but it's a little early for them at the moment. Just the one lonely flower.

The dahlia below is from my own garden, the fist one to bloom - as yet - lots of buds though.

Back to Heligan a cosmos on its own.

There are also fruit and vegetables at Heligan, the photo is part of an archway of apples.

Nearly forgot the next photo, large poppies.

Finally a photo I created on my computer. Hope you have a happy week ahead and thanks for visiting by blog ~ Mike.