Historic Cornish estate with bluebell woodland to start Trust’s Open Garden season

Historic Cornish estate with bluebell woodland to start Trust’s Open Garden season

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s 2019 Open Gardens season begins on Sunday 14th April with one of Cornwall’s most historic and stunning gardens. Coldrenick House in Menheniot is splendid in the spring and along with the bluebell woodland, magnolias and other spring flowers, it is steeped in history.

Event details:
• Full title of event: Open Garden – Coldrenick House
• Date and time of event: Sunday 14th April 2.00pm to 5.00pm
• Where to meet: Coldrenick House, Menheniot, Liskeard, PL14 3RQ.
• Cost of event: adults £5 under 16s free
 
A regular with the Trust’s Open Gardens scheme, Coldrenick, at Menheniot, Liskeard, PL14 3RQ, will be open on April 14th from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Admission is £5 per adult, with under 16s free.
And this year all the gardens opening for the Trust will have plant stalls so visitors can take away a little bit of what they see!

Cream teas and beverages will be provided by Roddas, Berryman’s and Cornish Coffee and these will be served indoors and outdoors weather dependent. There is good disabled access all-round the gardens. Dogs are allowed on leads.

As one of Cornwall’s premier estates, Coldrenick has a long history and dates back over 300 years although the garden has changed as new generations have taken it on since it was bought by Sir John Trelawny in 1591. Today the garden mixes lawns, beds, and shrubs with some ornamental trees. Magnolias, camellias, and bamboos all do well, and the wooded area is filled with bluebells.

Bluebells at Coldrenick by Chris Betty

Chris Betty

As well as the gardens there is an organic dairy farm which extends from Doddycross to the A39.

The original medieval house at Coldrenick was replaced by a Georgian building, which was then demolished in 1966, and the present house was originally a racing stables. Today, there are the remains of the Georgian Mansion House, a Victorian Coach House and the Bake House from the original medieval building.

Chris Betty, Communications Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, says,

“This estate has such an interesting history and the garden is stunning, making this a rare treat for gardeners and local historians alike. It all makes for a fascinating Sunday afternoon out, plus the knowledge that visitors are helping the Trust in its conservation work. Take a walk around, enjoy some exploring and then buy a plant to take home.”

Apple blossom at Coldrenick, by Rowena Millar

Rowena Millar

With a common theme of providing a home for Cornish wildlife the gardens opening this year are varied in content and size, but all provide inspirational ideas. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, browsing through some of the most beautiful gardens in Cornwall and at the same time know you are helping the county’s wildlife. Last year a record £21,000 was raised through the Open Gardens event for the Trust’s conservation work.

Other gardens opening for the Trust this year are: April 28th Pedn Billy, Bar Road, Helford Passage; May 12th 2 Trenance Cottages, St. Newlyn East; May 19th Burncoose, Gwennap, Redruth; June 2nd Little Park Farm, St. Clements, Malpas; June 9th Boswiddle, Ladock; June 23rd Lethytep, Penadlake, Lanreath; July 14th Arundell, West Pentire; July 28th Millpool, Cardinham, Bodmin; August 4th Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine; September 1st South Bosent, Dobwalls, Liskeard.

More details can be found at www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens