Heligan, ("The Willows" in Cornish), dates back
to the twelfth century. Situated at the head of the valley that
overlooks the fishing village of Mevagissey, it was at one time
part of an estate of over 1000 acres. During the First World War,
over one-half of the staff perished on the mud of Flanders and
the gardens became overgrown and, in effect, went to sleep.
In 1990, John Willis inherited the gardens. Through the
effort of the British Trust for Conservation (BCTV) and the Countryside
Commission with its "Task Force Trees" initiative, the
area was cleared and over 5,000 new trees were planted. Miraculously,
much of the original plant stock survived and sprouted again in
a beautiful display of seasonal colors.
The gardens include many wild flowers, a vegetable garden,
an Italian Garden, and the Jungle Garden of exotic flora.
We visited the gardens twice in July, 1995, and strongly
recommend it to all of you who love gardens and gardening. Although
not as formally laid out as some other Cornish gardens, Heligan
is unique in its wide variety of plant life and the lush jungle
garden. Of special interest are the three unique garden tools
that are custom made for the gardens and that you can pick up
when you visit. The gardens are now run by the Cornwall Gardens
Trust and are a wonderful find.
To find out more information such as our opening times, entry
prices, directions and details of our facilities, please email
us by using this link: info@heligan.com
