Trebah Gardens in Cornwall unveils latest attraction

The Trebah Garden Trust have said they are delighted to unveil their beautiful new Court Garden, a unique walled garden, which was launched with an opening ceremony, followed by access for Members of the Garden. It opens to the public from Friday, May 12.

Constructed on the site of a former tennis court, hence the choice of name, the project is the culmination of many years of planning. Sheltered by warm stone walling, and planted more formally than other areas, this is an area for everyone to enjoy regardless of their mobility or impaired senses. The Court Garden offer visitors a diverse range of plants and flowers, all chosen by Head Garden, Darren Dickey and the Trust’s Garden Committee, not only to encourage pollinators but also to engage with the senses.

The new court garden (Image: Trebah Gardens)

"We’d been conscious for some time," says Garden Director Nigel Burnett, "that, because of mobility or other issues, some people found it hard to explore all of the garden and enjoy all that Trebah had to offer."

 The solution was to create an easily accessible, flat area close to the car park, with raised beds and formal planting and with plentiful seating and space for wheelchairs. 

Award-winning designer Richard Sneesby was commissioned to design the garden which has an impressive granite water feature at its centre.

"Trebah is one of this country’s most important gardens," says Richard, "so it was a delight to take on the challenge of creating this new space. I wanted to use plants that appeal to all the senses within the walls, include shelter from the elements and, taking advice from accessibility experts and disability practitioners, design seating and spaces on a surface that is non-slip and wheelchair friendly. It really is a garden for everyone."

The project has used Cornish contractors as much as possible (Image: Trebah Garden)

The project has used Cornish contractors as much as possible to achieve its aim. The main entrance gates are being made by Kevin Geary, a local blacksmith, the stone comes from Trebarwith Quarry and the main contractors are Marnick Builders, based a few miles away in Falmouth.

It’s been planted by Trebah’s own Head Gardener Darren Dickey along with members of his team. "Many of the plants we’re using have been grown on-site,” says Darren. “We know what grows well here - it’s a truly Cornish garden."

Trebah Garden’s Chairman Robert Dudley-Cooke says that when he first came to the garden around forty years ago the lack of a walled garden was something that he noticed. "Over the years we’ve made great changes to the garden; there’s now an impressive amphitheatre and the access to our private beach has been improved.

"When the opportunity to create an entirely new garden within Trebah’s footprint came along we were excited by what could be created."