Making the most of the spring sunshine and dry weather this April we popped over to Trelissick last Monday. Still having to book a slot means that you can’t just visit a garden on a whim. The morning began with a somewhat showery day and a bitterly cold northerly wind, but we decided to go ahead anyway and were fortunate that the wintry showers occurred before our arrival and in the sun it was quite pleasant.
As we entered the garden we decided to walk past the house first and then into the woodland garden. We would have walked down to the beach and the woodland walk, however the entrance to the garden at the ferry point was still not open. The first hint of colour was a vibrant deep pink Azalea, but the scent of the nearby Skimmia confusa ‘Kew Green’ drew us closer.
And although I have taking many photographs of this scene, overlooking the Carrick Roads, I could not resist another.
I know that Jo loves an English spring garden, especially rhododendrons which I confess are not to my taste, though they can steal the show during April and May. It’s not the first time I have taken Jo here, but hopefully she won’t mind and I have found some different plants and views for her.
The Camellias are coming to an end now, but the bright Azaleas pop out of the greenery. And I think these six will do nicely for Becky’s Bright Squares today.
Continuing through the garden alongside the ha-ha we were amused to see an inquisitive squirrel approach a woman sitting on the grass among the thousands of narcissi. At the last moment he paused and ran away.
There are a lot of trees in Trelissick and at this time of the year it is lovely to see many of them come into life. New buds, leaves, and blossom all indicate that spring is here.
White wood anemones and common primroses carpet the steep banks in this area of the garden and there is the slightest hint of purple from emerging bluebells, but it is the Scilla liliohyacinthus / Pyrenean Squill which dominates at the moment.
Not wanting to exit just yet we took the walk across the road to the orchard, and where many other trees have been planted, including several magnificent Conifers, Cedars, Japanese Maples, Camellias and Magnolias. And very large rhododendrons including a spectacular Cornish Red (the more pinkish one).
After a lovely wander we made our way back to the exit, passing the banana trees which will soon begin to dominate this border and the beautifully pruned wisteria just beginning to form buds. Stopping at the café for a coffee and an indulgent slice of chocolate fudge cake we can recommend that Cornwall’s gardens are more than ready for visitors. But if you are coming then please remember that most gardens require you to book first and masks are mandatory in public areas such as the café (no cash accepted), toilets and shop.
Cornwall in Colours 
One more comment: It is often I see squirrels around here and certainly not standing on hind legs to get a better view. Your photo brought me a chuckle or two!
First I’ve seen too. He must think he is a Meerkat 😊
Beautiful walk, your gardens are much further on than ours – and so are your cafes! No coffee and cake for us till Monday.
They are still about 3 weeks behind what they normally are at this time of the year.
Incredible rhododendron, it must be ancient. Looks like a lovely garden, and that view…
Yes, it is a lovely view. Always different.
What a glorious time of year to visit, Jude
Cornish gardens are made for spring. Though a lot now have interest throughout the year.
Gosh, this beautiful. Blossom is so much further in Cornwall, this looks amazing, Jude. We had snow in North Norfolk in April and still get frosty nights. National Trust asked for „anything blossom“ at the beginning of the year and yesterday was the day of Blossom, it’s only slowly starting now. Have a good Sunday!
I read about the #blossom and assume you have to upload your photos to Instagram which I don’t do. More blossom found yesterday as well as bluebells!
England in springtime is so beautiful, you have captured the freshness and abundance of the season, lovely place to wander around.
Nice and quiet too. I am still avoiding beaches, though today you wouldn’t want to go near – storms are heading our way!
I’m guessing it will be like over here, may not have overseas tourists but Aussies are travelling around the country in hordes. So glad we did our trip 10 years ago. Hope the storm is not a bad one.
I should have thought to have cut the remaining tulips and bring them indoors. Sadly pretty much all have been blown apart now. Still very blustery today, but the rain has gone. Not very warm though for May! Hope it improves by the end of the month as I have booked us a week away.
🤞fingers crossed for that week away and that the weather improves