Great Garden Secrets You’d Miss If You Didn’t Know
From rainforest crops to kingfisher pools – discover the tucked-away treasures of Cornwall’s most iconic gardens
What makes a garden unforgettable isn’t always its brightest blooms or grandest views. Sometimes, it’s the quiet corners, the rare plants, or the fleeting encounters that pass almost unnoticed – unless you know where to look.
We asked some of the head gardeners and garden owners across the Great Gardens of Cornwall to share the hidden details, secret spots, and personal favourites that visitors often miss.
Here’s what they revealed…
A Camellia Valley and a Flash of Blue – Antony Woodland Garden
At Antony, Head Gardener Richard Squires is drawn to the Camellia Valley, a wild, romantic space that bursts into life with colour. But his top tip? Keep your eyes on the water:
“You might be lucky and see a kingfisher flash across the Bath Pool,” he says, revealing a moment of magic that’s easy to miss.
A walk along the riverside path, with views across the River Lynher, offers a peaceful blend of natural beauty and cultivated charm, a spot where garden and landscape flow into one another.
A Living Canvas in Full Colour – Bonython Estate Gardens
As a botanical artist, Sue Nathan has a unique eye for colour and detail, and her garden at Bonython is her masterpiece.
“In spring, the valley comes alive with azaleas, rhododendrons, bluebells and wild garlic,” she explains. “In summer, the lakes and walled garden steal the show with their vibrant displays.”
It’s a garden that changes dramatically with the seasons, and rewards those who return again and again.
New Wonders in a Historic Setting – Caerhays Castle & Gardens
With over 30 years in the role, Jaimie Parsons, Head Gardener at Caerhays Castle & Gardens tells us about his favourite moments in the garden.
“Planting ornamentals and woodlands, then watching the team climb the trees they’ve nurtured to collect flowers and seeds. Their pride in seeing years of hard work come to life is truly special.”
Jaimie’s proud of the new areas the team have created during his tenure, increasing the gardens from 60 acres to 140 acres, with several more acres in the planning. Jaimie’s must see spot in the garden is:
“The newer planting areas, especially Kennel Close – a 12-acre field planted in 2006. Here, you can admire the young magnolia blooms without getting ‘magnolia neck,’ as we jokingly call it!”
Rainforest Giants and Regeneration Stories – Eden Project
The Eden Project is famous for its giant Biomes, but Catherine Cutler, Head of Horticulture, urges you to look beyond the obvious.
“The rainforest is a must-see – there’s simply nothing like it,” she says. “But also look out for our crops – coffee, chocolate and sugar – and our endangered species like the blessed palm and Mulanje cedar.”
There’s even a Korean garden telling the story of one of the world’s most successful landscape restorations, and a calming Japanese garden tucked quietly away.
Rope Bridges and Rhododendrons – The Lost Gardens of Heligan
At Heligan, Head Gardener Nicola Bradley finds magic in the extremes; from the lush jungle valley with its rope bridge and tree ferns, to the formal Flower Garden blooming with summer colour.
“The Jungle has the wow factor,” she says. “But don’t miss our historic Rhododendrons either – some over 160 years old with incredible twisted trunks.”
She recommends following the paths behind the rhododendron banks:
“You see their rich red-brown stems glisten after rain, rising from carpets of fallen petals – it’s a beautiful, quiet moment.”
Shadows, Movement and a Critically Endangered Palm – Lamorran House Gardens
Tucked into a unique microclimate on the Roseland Peninsula, Lamorran House Garden is full of surprises. Head Gardener Danny Konik describes one area in particular that comes alive in summer:
“The jungle zone – with giant bananas, bamboo and two towering Cyathea smithii – it’s like a dreamscape of shadow and movement.”
And hidden among the greenery?
“Our Juania australis palm is critically endangered in the wild. We’re proud to have such a spectacular specimen thriving here.”
Big Personality in a Small Garden – Minack Theatre Garden
Claire Batten, who is the joint head gardener alongside Jeff Rowe, knows the value of every single bed in this compact but striking garden.
“We’re the smallest of the Great Gardens – so everything has to work hard,” she explains. “Our Aeonium Trial bed, developed with the RHS, is a real showstopper.”
From bold South African succulents to rare Proteaceae, the planting here feels like a curated collection of botanical jewels; vivid, exotic, and full of character.
What Will You Discover?
These are just a handful of stories from across the Great Gardens of Cornwall; there are many more secrets waiting among the pathways, ponds, and petals. Whether it’s an ancient rhododendron, a whisper of wings over water, or a rare plant flourishing quietly in a corner, you never know what you’ll find… unless you know where to look.
Plan your visit to one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall today!