If you want to see a spring garden at its best then you can do no worse than visiting Cornwall during March, April and May. If the weather allows that is. Cornwall probably has the best spring gardens and Kent the best summer ones, though in recent years Cornish gardens have improved their herbaceous borders during the summer months. We are though concentrating on those plants for which this region is famous for: Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Magnolias.

So grab your camera and let’s go walking on this sunny and warm (out of the wind) April day in the Trelissick Gardens on the banks of the River Fal.

We usually go around this garden in an anti-clockwise direction, I have no idea why, but today we decided to head straight for the Orchard across the road to see if the apple blossom was in bloom.

The camellias were pretty much over, but the sweet smell of the Choisya (Mexican orange) in full flower drew me closer. I really need to find space in my garden for one of these delightful shrubs.

The orchard trees are only just beginning to show buds, but the lichens are pretty impressive.

Crossing back over the road we’ll take a left and wander along the meandering paths to the top of the garden. There are plenty of benches from where to take in the views and sit and listen to the birdsong.

Some of the rhododendrons are strongly perfumed, almost like lilies.

And although I am not a fan of them, I can appreciate the scent and the colours of these flowers.

Every bend provides a different view. The hedgerows of azaleas dazzle in the sunshine.

And when we finally arrive back at the house we are more than ready for a sit down and a cup of coffee with a piece of orange poppy cake. Sorry, I forgot to take any photos of the cake! But I did take one of the beautiful orangery.

Jo’s Monday Walk