The National Garden Scheme hopes to raise thousands of pounds for charity, and wants to know what a gardens means to us

Some of Cornwall’s most spectacular gardens will be taking part in this year’s annual National Gardens Festival Weekend in June

The National Garden Scheme is hoping to of raise thousands of pounds for charity through its open gardens and this year the NGS are calling on us to share what a gardens means to us. Gardens often provide a backdrop for life’s feel-good moments, so whether a garden special to you inspires or relaxes, the National Garden Scheme want to hear about it.

This year’s openings include St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, with its famous causeway and sub-tropical gardens which are home to exotic plants from Mexico, the Canary Islands and South Africa.

Nearby is Trengwainton Garden, with its glorious displays of magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, alongside breathtaking views across Mounts Bay.

Moving inland, Trevoole Garden in Camborne is nestled around an old farmhouse with a charming courtyard, orchard, herb garden and rose walk. The garden and the café will be open to visitors, 10am-4pm.

Towards North Cornwall, Long Hay in Delabole, is an abundant cottage garden with beautiful vistas of the north coast. Its herbaceous beds, shrubs, pond, greenhouse and lawns overlook the sea with paths leading to copse, vegetable plots, orchards and a greenhouse.

Finally The Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery in St Mawgan, where East meets West, will be open for the NGS during the Festival Weekend. Described as an oasis of tranquillity, its striking Japanese maples and azaleas surround the symbolic teahouse, koi pond, bamboo grove and zen gardens.

“Exploring an interesting garden has to be one of the most enjoyable ways of raising money for charity,” said NGS Chief Executive George Plumptre. “There’s a Festival Weekend garden to suit all tastes and this year. The money raised through Festival garden admissions will help our beneficiary charities support nurses and carers across the UK, as well as people with terminal illness, cancer and Parkinson’s Disease.”