Cornwall Gardens Bloom for Charity

Cornwall's renowned gardens, including Caerhayes, Trewithen, and Heligan, are offering public access through private openings and the National Garden Scheme (NGS). The Trebartha Estate, a historic property near Launceston, has been part of the NGS for 59 years and recently saw a record number of visitors on a single day. This initiative provides unique access to over 3,300 private gardens nationwide, with 64 in Cornwall alone. Last year, NGS events in Cornwall generated £70,000 for nursing and health charities.

Caroline Latham of Trebartha Estate expressed enthusiasm for the scheme, highlighting the joy of sharing the garden and the positive feedback received. Visitors from Austria were particularly impressed by the natural beauty, describing the bluebells as "carpets of blue." The estate offers a scenic walk past the Swan Pool and the dramatic Cascades of the Withy Brook. Historically significant sites within the estate, like old cellars, harbor unique flora such as Goblin's Gold moss.

Eligibility for the NGS has expanded; gardens no longer need to offer a 45-minute tour to be included. Libby Pidcock, Cornwall's Assistant County Organiser, noted that the scheme now recognizes the potential of smaller gardens to provide pleasure and contribute to charity. This inclusivity allows more gardens to participate, with tickets often granting access to multiple smaller openings. Nationally, the NGS raised over £3.875 million last year, demonstrating its significant impact on health charities.