A restored garden near Truro will be opening to the public this May as part of a Duchy-wide open gardens programme.

Poppy Cottage, a small private garden at Ruan High Lanes near Tregony, Truro, will open in aid of Cornwall Wildlife Trust  on Sunday May 17, from 2pm to 5pm as part of the trust’s Open Gardens Scheme, which is now in its fifth year. All money raised through the scheme goes towards protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. 

When Tina and Dave Primmer first moved to Poppy Cottage many years ago the site was derelict. But today, this one acre garden on the Roseland, is a mass of colour and interest. Planted as a series of rooms, which are small gardens in themselves, it is brimming with bulbs, herbaceous plants, grasses, shrubs and even exotics, mainly colour themed, and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy tea and cake.

Pasties and cream teas will be available, donated by Open Gardens’ supporters Crantock Bakery and Rodda's.

There is also a small orchard with unusual ducks and chickens, and a small nursery area with a wide range of herbaceous plants for sale.

Chris Betty, Deputy Head of Marketing and Fundraising for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: "Poppy Cottage is a truly unique garden, and because of its size, it offers gardeners the chance to see just what they could do themselves. As the county’s leading wildlife charity that protects Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places, funds raised through our Open Gardens’ event are vital for us to continue our conservation work, on land and in our seas”.

Admission is £3.50 for adults, children under 16 free. Dogs are welcomed on leads.

Other gardens due to open for the Trust are Old Zanzig near Wadebridge on Sunday May 31, Higher Trenedden near Pelynt on Sunday June 14, The Old Watermill at St. Mabyn on Sunday June 28, Lethytep near Lanreath on Sunday July 5, Coldrenick House, Liskeard on Sunday July 12, Homestead Woodland at Crelly on Sunday July 26, Trenarth at High Cross on Sunday August 23, and May Tree Garden at St. Austell on August 30.

For further information about any of the Open Gardens events, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/opengardens.