We visited Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Oct 2012 to see this major new attraction in West Cornwall. Located close to Penzance in a beautiful sheltered valley, the woods, stream and dramatic views towards St Michael’s Mount provide a perfect setting for large scale exotic and sub-tropical planting. It stands apart from many famous gardens in Cornwall with the way it has incorporated high quality contemporary art installations from world renowned sculptors like James Turrell and Kishio Sugo.
To learn more about the art works click here >>
Stunning views of St Michael’s Mount
History of the gardens
Before 1290 the land at Tremenheere was owned by the monks of nearby St Michaels’ Mount. William De Tremenheere bought the land at that time and stayed in the family for 600 years. Seymour, the last Tremenheere, is credited with planting the beech, oak, sweet chestnut and holly throughout the woods in or around 1830. He essentially did the early landscaping work and created a fine cut stone entrance bridge with his initials and the date 1849.
David Nash’s Mound @Tremenheere
The garden covers 20 acres and is situated a mile east of Penzance along a stretch of land known as the Golden Mile. As well as the fortunate combination of good soil, mild microclimate and shelter, the land benefits from wonderful mature tree woodland and outstanding sea views across Mounts Bay to St Michaels Mount.
Planting in the garden
The very favoured micro-climate of kindly winter temperatures and shelter from the wind allow all manner of exotic and half -hardy plants to flourish. The planting schemes are appropriate to the varying individual habitats like the Exotic woodland with Dicksonia, Enstetes and containing an amazing collection of bamboo.
Ponds in the woodland garden
The Arid zone favours sculptural species such as Aqave, Cacti and Puya alpestris. The swampy bog areas created where a free flowing stream runs through to the bottom of the valley featuring Blechnum megellanicum.
Facilities at Tremenheere
A bright and modern building close to the large car park houses a shop selling local crafts and plants and the stylish Lime Café which serves fabulous freshly prepared homemade meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Between 2-4 pm a fantastic English afternoon tea with a selection of tasty sandwiches and mini sweet treats is served on a cake stand with a proper pot of tea or coffee.
To find out more visit Tremenheere’s website>>
