We have been here before in spring, but the last time was a year ago just before the first lockdown in England. Trengwainton (NT) gardens in nearby Madron are not open all year round, but they are now, although due to the current Covid-19 restrictions you do have to pre-book so numbers are limited. And there is no tea-room open for that post-walk coffee and cake.
There is also a one-way system through the garden so you can’t simply wander where you would like to. The Camellia walk is not part of the route, but no need to concern yourself, there are sufficient camellias to be enjoyed.
Having neglected the camera for much of the last year lacking inspiration, I hit upon the idea of focussing on one thing in particular to motivate me when I went walking close to home. Clouds and then light and shade. I added trees to that list today.
As I have dozens of flower photos of this garden in spring I decided to concentrate on the light and the way shadows fall as we meandered our way up to the terrace.
The low winter sun, the warmth in the secluded garden and the sound of birdsong implied spring had begun. And indeed today when this post is published it is the start of meteorological spring which lasts until 31 May, but in my heart I always consider spring to begin on the vernal equinox, the time when day equals night.
But I am happy to welcome this spring-like weather along with the opportunity to escape to a fairly local place for a change of scenery.
The jungle look is most evident when you find yourself in a grove of tree ferns. The shadows and patterns the light creates through the foliage is so lovely.
A large pink Magnolia flaunts itself from all sides of the garden yet hides its flowers high above our heads, buds encased in furry strokable pods ready to burst into colour.
The route finishes in the sheltered walled garden. All National Trust gardens are run on the goodwill of a lot of volunteers along with several gardeners, most of whom have remained at home during the pandemic to stay safe, so the garden isn’t perhaps as well-groomed as normal and you could see some weeds and rough edges, but that does not detract from the beauty of nature.
Discarded camellia petals carpet the ground in places, snowdrops and snowflakes and double hellebores compete for space in the undergrowth.
But there is still much pleasure to be found in a deep cherry-red magnolia tree (above) and this variegated tree below, with such a lovely shape that I had to take its photo.
Hopefully it won’t be too long before we can travel further afar to visit other gardens, beaches, friends and families…
Cornwall in Colours 
This reminds me of our local equivalent, RHS Wisley. Problem is is not all that local and whilst you can book slots there, we’ve chosen to wait for a bit. We do miss it. I love your way of focusing!
RHS Wisley used to be a favourite of mine when I lived in Surrey/Hampshire and I still like to visit when I am down that way, but it is very popular now and very busy. A lovely garden with so many diverse areas and a splendid glasshouse for those rainy days.