Gardens and places to visit in South Cornwall

I'm off to Cornwall in May, and am looking for ideas of places to visit.

I have been before so have seen some of the major sights such as Trebah, St Micheals Mount, Eden and Helligan. Some of these we will do again this year. But i'm also looking for suggestions of places off the beaten track, that little garden or attraction that is not necessarily well known.

Also there are some fantastic garden centres, but again suggestions please. I have been to Treverna Cross, Lower Kenneggy Nursery and Hardy Exotics all near Penzance, and Burncouse. But would love suggestions of other places to try. As i prefer the tropical/sub-tropical look anything that caters for these tastes would be particularly useful.

Thanks in advance

Gaz

 

Gaz - it's an ambition of mine to make a pilgrimage to Kernock Park Plants (http://www.kernock.co.uk/index.html), who have been cultivating the Wollemi pine in the UK.

They definitely have succulents, and I'm sure they have all manner of other exotic and tropical plants. Last year at the Chelsea Flower Show they were displaying a load of Wollemi pines with ferns and tropical plants (and a few dinosaurs...).

So if you stop by, let me know what it's like!

 

The two I have been to TG that you may not know of are Trengwainton near Truro and Trelissick near Penzance. I haven't been to either for a long time but I know they both have subtropicals and are still open, I think they are both National Trust.

 

If you fancy a beautiful walk with extensive views out to sea, try Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and Gardens just across the water from Plymouth, There are beautiful woodland walks, little garden areas from around the world, a main formal garden by the Stately home and the National Camellia Collection grows here. I think it is incredibly beautiful and except for the house and formal gardens, there is no charge on entry.

 

Thanks for the ideas guys.

I am also planning on the doingthe trip to Tresco, so will take loads of photos!!