Explore the valley garden at Glendurgan

Entrance route and Camellia Walk

Just past the visitor welcome building, you're treated to a display of colour and mixed planting which has been replanted by the garden team in recent months. There's a splash of colour no matter the season; many of the plants along this route are available to purchase in our plant centre (when open). The path along the entrance route leads to the Camellia Walk, where a mixture of different varieties of camellia bloom. Early varieties start flowering in late autumn however early spring is the time to see them at their best and means Glendurgan opens each February to a display of colourful camellias.

Holy bank

Passing the small fish pond and following the upper path it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Helford River as the view draws the eye down the valley. Along here is a collection of trees with religious connotations, such as Crown of Thorns and Judas Tree. An ancient magnolia Magnolia x veitchii 'Peter Veitch' sits proudly at the top of Holy bank, watching over the maze and pond below along with carpets of wildflowers which adorn this area from late winter through to late spring. Look out for daffodils and primroses at the start of the year, changing to bluebells, wild garlic, rhododendrons, gladioli, aquilegias and wild orchids as we head into the warmer days of spring.

Olive grove and apple orchard

Please be aware the apple orchard is closed until further notice.

Tucked away en route to the school room sits the Olive Grove and Glendurgan’s little-known apple orchard. The Fox family successfully tended the area to produce a bounty of fruits and vegetables many years ago. In the orchard today are still local varieties of apples, figs, pecans, pears and critus fruits, as well as three bee hives with an active colony of honeybees. An area eager to be explored, there are grass paths mowed amongst the apple trees during the warmer months for visitors to venture along.

School room and Giant's Stride

Please be aware the Giant's Stride is closed until further notice.

Following the path through the Olive Grove one arrives at the old school room, used by Sarah Fox to educate her children until 1842. The building you see today was re-created in 2001 by the Fox family as well as the garden team and children from the local primary school. The windows are the originals from 1829.

Further along the path from the school room sits the Giant's Stride, a giant maypole swing popular with both grown ups and children. 

 

The lower valley

With the character of exotic far away countries such as New Zealand and Bhutan, the inspiration for developing this area came from gardeners’ and Fox family travels over the decades. The plants that continue to thrive here do so due to the similar temperate climate experienced in their country of origin and feature giant rhubarb and impressive bamboo. You'll also see tree ferns with their fibrous trunks and banana plants with their large, paddle-shaped leaves.

This part of Cornwall is so damp that moss and native ferns grow easily on the trunks of older trees. The garden team have taken this further by adding exotic epiphytic plants to various trunks and branches in the lower valley. Epiphytic plants don't need soil to grow in, taking the moisture and nutrients they need from rain and the air around them.

That magnificent maze

Please note, the maze is closed until further notice.

Glendurgan’s ancient cherry laurel hedge maze sits at the heart of the garden and is the true fabric of Glendurgan, puzzling visitors for generations and providing much joy and delight for those who choose to get lost along its many winding paths. While the maze appears healthy from a distance, it's going through a significant process of restoration to see its paths and steps reinstated and in due course, the hedges thoroughly cut back to promote healthy regrowth.

Cherry orchard

Sitting in the quirky boat seat and following the stream as it flows through the orchard, this peaceful area is perfect for taking a break to take in the surroundings. Featuring handkerchief trees, cherry blossom and some stunning varieties of magnolia, the main highlights in this area are snowdrops in February and March, followed by carpets of bluebells in April and May. During the warmer months the garden team mow grass paths through the orchard for visitors to wander along and enjoy a quiet moment on one of the benches or spot a myriad of butterflies or dragonflies in summer.

The Tulip tree

Glendurgan has a stunning tree collection including mature conifers (some of which have rich autumn colours) and also smaller flowering trees such as magnolias and dogwoods. However the oldest and most impressive tree in the collection is the Tulip tree, Liriodendron Tulipifera.

At almost 190 years old, this grandfather of Glendurgan sits proudly towards the top of the valley garden and provides a stunning display in different seasons. In late June its flowers appear in hues of lime green and orange, presenting a display in likeness to mini cups and saucers perched at the edges of its branches. As autumn approaches the giant green leaves take on bright gold tones and signal the end of another year at Glendurgan as the garden prepares to close for winter.