TREVINA HOUSE, ST NEOT - THURSDAY 21st MAY
After a very misty start to the day it began to brighten up into sunshine en-route to the garden. Six of us met up at Trevina House set in the picturesque countryside not far from Colliford Lake. We were warmly welcomed by Sue the owner and was introduced to two young volunteer gardeners from the WWOOF International organisation.
Sue gave us a very informative walk and talk explaining how the garden has evolved from a Victorian garden into the cottage garden we saw today. When they moved into the house the front garden sloped away downwards, this area was levelled and an alpine patio is now in situ next to the house with a variety of plants between the flagstones.
The plants in this area of the garden are many and varied and are allowed to grow and seed without too much intervention. Weeding is not a first priority and it all works beautifully. There were Iris, Lupins, Azaleas providing a good show of colour and an abundance of other plants far too many to list here. Variegated Honesty plants were dotted around and Sue very kindly gave out seed pods to interested parties.
We walked on into the rewilded woodland area where clearing work of trees has been undertaken following on from the storms earlier this year, sadly many trees came down. New planting schemes are underway, much to the delight of the deer and rabbits! Due to the varied habitats around the garden there is a wonderful array of birdlife to enjoy.
Walking on again through a hydrangea pathway with the flower heads just forming we came to the spring fed trout pond, a very tranquil spot. The bog area has been planted with bullrushes, iris, giant hostas and Gunnera with trees and shrubs all around.
Next it was the kitchen garden and polytunnels. In the first one we were shown the seedlings and young plants being prepared for planting out, while overhead there was a grape vine with plenty of grapes forming. Two further polytunnels, one being emptied of the last crops and the next newly built and being prepared for plants. The kitchen garden has seen a lot of work with rows of new vegetable plants having been planted up with roses and poppies alongside the pathway. The chicken run was covered with clematis to give the birds shade. A lot of work has taken place to keep the deer out which is an ongoing job.
Back at the house we were treated to a lunch of homemade soup, apple juice made from apples from the organic orchard and mouth watering cakes, besides our teas/coffee. During lunch we chatted to the two young gardener’s and Sue’s husband Kevin.
After 30 years of planning and hard work Sue and Kevin’s enthusiasm has not diminished and there are several plans in action for what to do next. Sue’s philosophy is not to be over worried about weeding, and in this garden that system really works.
A thoroughly enjoyable visit.
REPORT ON VISIT TO SCORRIER HOUSE GARDENS - MONDAY 20th APRIL
Our garden visit in April was to Scorrier House Gardens. Nine members took advantage of a privileged visit as the house is now used as a wedding venue, also for music festivals and other corporate events, with many thanks to Barbara for contacting a relative who works there for us.
Although a slightly chilly day the weather was dry and bright (at last!). We were greeted by ‘Ollie’ the owner’s son who gave us a talk informing us that the house was built in 1778 by John Williams the 3rd.
Over generations the family made their fortune in tin mining and the house was extended and more heathland acquired which was cleared for gardens around the house and new pastures. However, a fire caused considerable damage to the extension and this was rebuilt again in 1908.
The gardens are notable due to the influence of William Lobb, a famous Victorian nurseryman, botanist and plant hunter, who worked for the Williams family.
From the main entrance hall Ollie led us out to the gardens for our walk through a conservatory which contained a rose arbour, lemon trees and bright orange Natal (or Bush) Lillies.
Past the swimming pool and sun house our attention was drawn to part of a Victorian wall which at one time housed a leanto greenhouse where pineapples were grown. Walking on we entered the old dairy garden where there were old fruit trees. A small crab apple tree had several very pretty white/pink blossoms. Walking on around the garden there were several Myrtle trees with their unusual cinnamon coloured bark, apparently these trees seed very easily everywhere. A very old large Ginka tree had an amazing gnarled trunk almost as if it had been molten which had run down the trunk.
Moving on into the folly garden there was a seating area made out of huge pieces of white stone brought in from the mines. This area had seen a lot of damage from the recent storms and several trees had been lost and are in the process of being cleared away. Sadly a rose and wisteria arbour had also been completely destroyed, although there are plans to install a new one at some point. Over 100 trees in total were lost from the estate.
We carried on with our walk passing many variety of Camelia in flower and came across a folly which looked like a little cottage. This is in disrepair at present but there are plans to restore it in the future.
Through another archway which came from the old St Day Church led us past a Celtic cross marker from the same Church. Nearby was another taller cross although the original site for this cross is unknown.
The fresh colours of the Azaleas, Bluebells, Rhododendrons and the new leaves appearing on the trees and shrubs gave a tapestry of colour in this area of the garden.
Ollie then led us back to the house where a very welcome hot drink and delicious cake awaited us, the perfect end to our very enjoyable visit.
Report on garden visit of Friday 13th March 2026
Dr Frances Howard’s garden in Bere Alston
I had attended Frances’ talk on historic daffodils to the Whitecross and District Gardening Club last September and took her up on her offer to bring a group to visit her garden and walk along the lanes bordering the river Tamar to spot many varieties of historic (and more modern) varieties of daffodils.
The weather forecast was not promising so Frances and I agreed that the visit would start with lunch at 12.00pm at the Yard Café Weir Quay where she would give her talk in the comfort of a warm room. Weather allowing, we would then see the daffodils in situ.
What a fantastic day we had! Eight-members of the u3a group along with 2 friends and members of the Whitecross and District Gardening Club made their way to Weir Quay and had a lovely lunch cooked and served by Christine whose homemade ice-creams are truly delicious!
Frances’ interest in daffodils started 20 years ago when she moved down to Weir Cottage and was given a several bulbs by Lady Boyd who lived in Ince Castle. Her knowledge of the historical daffodils, especially those of the Tamar Valley hedges is second to none. Frances’ talk was very informative and entertaining and there is no way that I can transmit all her knowledge in this report!
Tamar daffodils, as they were so early were sent to Covent Garden, London from 1865 via the river and rail. The railway came through Bere Alston in 1980, so the trade expanded rapidly.
In the 2nd World War, the daffodils had to be replaced by vegetables, so were lifted and thrown into the hedgerows where the grow today.
The historical daffodils in the Tamar Valley hedges are:
Big yellow trumpets: Maximus superbus, King Alfred and Emperor
Frances had invited us to bring daffodils from home if we wanted her help to identify them. I was delighted to hear that I indeed had a clump of “Maximus superbus” in my garden in Penpol (The bungalow was built on the site of an orchard), a variety growing in England before 1576 so seen by Sir Frances Drake (The variety, not mine!).
Medium yellow trumpets: Princeps, Sir Watkin and Lent Lilly
There is a house in Penpoll with a field and orchard covered in “Lent Lilly”, a spectacular sight this time of the year. The hedges bordering the field and orchard are also full of those little native daffodils which grew wild before 1570. This was the “host of golden daffodils” that Wordsworth wrote about.
Bi-colours: Empress, Fortune and Bath’s Flame
Post 1st World War varieties like Fortune have thick overlapping petals whereas pre 1st World War varieties have thin and twisted petals. This cascade of “Fortune” can be seen outside the Boatyard on Weir Quay.
Doubles: Van Sion; Eggs and Yolks and Tamar Double White
“Tamar Double White” was found in Clamoak Farm hedge by Septimus Jackson in the 1880s. It is a very strong scented and long vase life variety so sent up to London in special blue tissue lined boxes. It is getting very rare. To grow, it needs to be planted very deep. It flowers very late, in May.
Whites: Ice Lollies, Actaea and Pheasants Eye.
“Pheasants Eye” dates from pre 1900 and its snow-white petals are swept back. It is the father of most flat white narcissi with reflexed petals.
We are thinking of planning a visit to Frances' garden in the Autumn as her garden is full of colours then.
