A brisk walk through the shady woodland areas leads you up to the lawned terrace at the very top of Trengwainton Gardens. Here, as well as the two lovely arbours and seats with a view over towards the Lizard you will find a slate toposcope or direction finder.
The carvings were created by local artist Joe Hemming and represent the traditional industry, wildlife and legends of this area and shows where Trengwainton sits in relation to the surrounding villages and landmarks. For instance, the Lamb and Flag was the tin-smelting mark of the Bolitho family of the 18th & 19th century.
Up here the sunny border has a southern hemisphere feel to it, with banksia, protea, leucadendron and furcraea combining with annual seed mixes. In the summer, a border of blue and white agapanthus stretches its entire length.
The Bolitho family still live in the family home and this toposcope was created for the family – Edward (Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall) and wife Alexandra, twins Loveday and Octavia (1987) and son William (1990)
Cornwall in Colours 
Such a beautiful and peaceful place. I love the toposcope and all the flowers. industrious people carving this out. I was surprised to hear banksia growing there! I have only seen it in New Zealand.
All sorts of southern hemisphere plants grow in the great Cornish gardens. One reason why I love living in this part of the UK.
And it is a good one! lucky us you are sharing some of the glory.
Such a beautiful post, Jude! Serenity 🙂 🙂
It can get very busy up there, but it’s a nice spot for sitting and admiring the view.
How lovely. I think I should add Trengwainton Gardens to my list – and you should add Liverpool to yours!
It’s not the best Cornish garden, but it’s the closest to us and has a wonderful tea room.
… which is currently closed 😦
Yes. It always closes at the end of October.
Ah, well in this instance you’re no worse off then, That’s something.
That Toposcope is a lovely addition to the gardens.
Best wishes, Pete. x
The carvings are lovely. I do like a toposcope. Working out where places are.
Just blissful.
Lovely garden area, but these unusual carvings are the show stopper. Fascinating! I can imagine running my fingers over the “bumps” the way a child feels out tactile surfaces.
The carvings captured my attention too, with all their details. I’m glad the mermaid has her traditional comb and mirror.
Of course 😊
I love the toposcope – and I’ve learned a new word too.
The word “toposcope” (along with the synonym “topograph”) is new to me. I’m glad you used it.
Look at all those beautiful aggies. I was just telling Elaine ours have plenty of flowers coming.
I hope more of mine flower next year. I will repot them in the spring.