The traditional farmhouse with its stunning views over the Malpas Passage, and down the river to Kea, make the south-facing hillside gardens at Little Park Farm, St. Clements, Maples something very special.

Visitors and residents can see for themselves when Little Park Farm opens in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust on Sunday 2^nd June from 2.00pm to 5.00pm as part of their Open Gardens scheme. Entry is £5 per adult with under 16s free. Sorry, no dogs at this one. Cream teas and beverages will be provided by Rodd as, Ferryman’s and Cornish Coffee, and as with all gardens opening for the Trust this year, there will be a plant stall.

The house replicates a traditional 18th-century Cornish farmhouse, and semi-formal gardens sweep around the front and south sides of the building while a large conservatory opens onto a spacious stone flagged terrace from where the views, and the refreshments, can be enjoyed.

Paths lead from the garden into grassland and wildflower meadows with further views, and mown paths lead the visitor into the shrubbery and on to woodland walks. There is a fragment of 18th-century parkland with a woodland belt and some fine specimen trees. On the south side below the house is a large natural pond well stocked with fish and water plantings.

Isabella Hawkes, Community Fundraising Officer says,

“When you visit one of our Open Gardens you really are helping with the Trust’s conservation work. So why not join us on the terrace at Little Park Farm, enjoy the views and a cream tea and know you are helping Cornwall’s wildlife as well.”

To find Little Park Farm from the Trafalgar roundabout in Truro follow the road to Malpas, past the cricket ground to Sunny Corner where the road is close to the river edge. Turn left into lane which is signed Little Park Farm.

Other gardens opening for the Trust this year are: June 9^th Boswiddle, Ladock; June 23^rd Lethytep, Penadlake, Lanreath; July 7^th Cornish Cutting Garden, Lower Repeat; July 14^th Arundel, West Pentire; July 28^th Millpool, Cardinham, Bodmin; August 4^th Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine; September 1^st South Bosent, Dobwalls, and Liskeard.

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