The weather was not good, and the forecast was not much better, but I had to do something today having had a very good breakfast (continuing to work my way through the 40 different sausage selections to choose from at the B&B!). Andy and Jane recommended that I visit Tregothnan, the traditional home of the Boscawen family, and the seat of Lord Falmouth, which is only open for one weekend of the year and this weekend is it – looks like my luck was in, lets hope it holds.
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Tregothnan garden is situated at the head of the Fal Estuary and has been the home of the Boscawen family since the 1300s. It has a wonderful collection of plants including original introductions brought back from by plant hunters including William and Robert Lobb, and plants from expeditions to China and South America.
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More than 100 years ago the Boscawens introduced rhododendrons, rare trees and the earliest outdoor plantings of camellias in the country. A specimen of Trachycarpus fortunei is reputed to be the tallest in the country, and they have probably the best Cork Oak (Quercus suber) specimen I have seen in the UK.
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The Tregothnan estate continues to be at the forefront of plant introductions, particularly with growing its own tea – though that was not accessible on this rare open day.
More photos from Tregothnan, this trip and the trip to Cornwall last month can be found here.
