Things to see and do in the garden at Trelissick

Fluffy purple flowerhead of a thistle at Trelissick, Cornwall — Purple thistle at Trelissick, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

The garden is a place for plant enthusiasts and for anyone seeking a gentle walk. Hidden paths twist through the garden to spectacular maritime views and there is plenty of space for families to enjoy and play as well.

Summer in the garden

Summer sees the tender and exotic borders of Trelissick garden burst into life. As the season progresses, hydrangeas bring a shock of colour to the garden and the lawns become the perfect places to bask in the sun.

With the marvellous spring blooms taking a bow and receding into the leafy greenery, Trelissick’s strong second act emerges from the mixed borders as summer makes itself known.

Such stars as alliums and irises make their entrance at the onset of the season, followed by dahlias providing even more colour with banana plants standing tall at the rear.

The main lawn

The main lawn is at the heart of the garden with sweeping views around the mixed exotic borders. Later in the year ginger lilies, dahlias and bananas create a rich tapestry of flower and foliage.

The focal point of the lawn is the magnificent Japanese red cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) which was planted in 1898, an extremely long-lived species of tree that can grow for over thousands of years.

An apple press surrounded by heavily laden green apple trees in the orchard at Trelissick — The orchard at Trelissick, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

The Cornish orchard

The Trelissick orchard is yet another peaceful place to explore and enjoy. Originally planted over 20 years ago the orchard is home to several Cornish apple varieties as well as an old apple press, restored to its former glory.

The tennis lawn

The tennis lawn is an open space with incredible views of the Carrick Roads and a summerhouse perfect for taking shelter in, whilst still enjoying the view.

The tennis lawn features a 'ha-ha' where the lawn meets the parkland. This sunken wall separates the grazed fields from the garden and provides a boundary between the two which doesn't spoil the view like a fence would. A staple feature of landscape gardens, it is so-called for the fact it is unseen and coming across it makes you exclaim 'ha-ha' in surprise and amusement.