The Lost Gardens of Heligan

During our holiday in Cornwall a few weeks ago we spent a day at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit – I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long.

Having heard so much about the gardens I did wonder whether they would live up to my expectations. It was a concern that proved to be unfounded – I found it the most magical place and came away feeling totally inspired.

I’m sure it’s a lovely place to visit at any time of year, but in early June the giant gunnera leaves and tree ferns were fresh and newly unfurled, and a damp spell a few weeks earlier had ensured that everything was incredibly lush and green. It really was enchanting.

I took lots of pictures so I thought I’d share them here.We recently created a small fernery area in our garden at home so our visit provided huge inspiration, and of course I came home with a tree fern to add to my collection. Now I’m just wondering if I can manage to squeeze in a Gunnera somewhere!

All images © Helen Powell