Cornish Historic Gardens Are Changing – Here’s Why It Matters

Cornwall’s historic gardens are undergoing change, and two experts are set to explore what this means for the county’s green heritage. The Cornwall Garden Society (CGS) will host two lectures in March, led by Trustees Pen Polglase and Richard Stone, to discuss both the transformation of these landscapes and the importance of researching and recording them for future generations.

Why Researching Historic Gardens Matters

The CGS has strengthened its commitment to conservation following its merger with the Cornwall Gardens Trust (CGT) last year. As a result, the Society has formed a Historic Gardens Committee, ensuring that critical research and preservation efforts continue.

Nationally, The Gardens Trust acts as the statutory consultee for planning applications affecting gardens listed on Historic England’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Locally, the CGS Historic Gardens Committee represents The Gardens Trust in Cornwall, playing a vital role in protecting the county’s historic landscapes.

Between 1988 and 2024, the CGT contributed 85 records to Cornwall’s archives at Kresen Kernow in Redruth. The CGS Historic Gardens Committee now plans to expand this collection, preserving the history of Cornwall’s designed parks and gardens for years to come.

Upcoming Lectures in Truro and Redruth

The CGS lectures will focus on two key topics:

• Change in Historic Gardens in Cornwall – Tuesday, 11th March at 7.30pm at The Alverton, Truro TR1 1ZQ
• Researching Historic Gardens in Cornwall – Wednesday, 12th March at 2.30pm at Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth TR15 1TE

These lectures are free for CGS members, while non-members are welcome to attend and make a donation.

To learn more about the Cornwall Garden Society or to become a member, visit: www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/join/

Cornwall’s ‘Chelsea of the West’ Returns

The Cornwall Garden Society’s 2025 Spring Flower Show will be held at The Royal Cornwall Showground near Wadebridge on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April.

Celebrated for its stunning floral displays, the event has been described by The Telegraph as the ‘Chelsea of the West’.

Advance tickets are available here: www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/spring-flower-show/show-tickets/

For updates, follow @CornwallGardenSociety on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.