30 Years of Cornwall’s Iconic Gardens – What’s in Store for 2025?

The Great Gardens of Cornwall are marking a major milestone this year, celebrating 30 years as a collective. From its beginnings with just five member gardens, the group has grown to 14 exceptional sites across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, each showcasing the region’s rich horticultural heritage.

A Growing Legacy

Over the past three decades, The Great Gardens of Cornwall has evolved into a fellowship of trailblazing gardens, each unique in character and history. From the cliffside greenery at The Minack Theatre to the subtropical paradise of Tresco Island, these gardens have played a key role in conservation, research, and education.

Reflecting on the collaboration between these historic sites, Charles Williams, owner of Caerhays Estate, summed it up: “You never visit a garden without taking a present.”

The Great Gardens of Cornwall – 14 Stunning Locations

The full list of gardens in the collective includes:

• Trebah Garden
• The Minack Theatre
• Trewithen
• Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
• Trewidden Garden and Tearoom
• Lamorran House Garden
• Bonython Estate Gardens
• Tresco Island
• Caerhays Castle Gardens
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Antony Woodland Garden
• Eden Project
• Tregothnan
• Tregrehan Garden and Cottages

Each of these gardens brings something unique to the collective, from the dramatic coastal setting of The Minack Theatre to the vast botanical collections at the Eden Project.

What’s Happening in 2025?

This special anniversary year is packed with events and projects celebrating the collective’s legacy and future.

Spring’s Arrival – A Blooming Tradition

In February, six gardens—Caerhays, Trewidden, Tregothnan, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trewithen, and Trebah Garden—will take part in the annual Magnolia campbellii bloom count. Once a tree reaches 50 blooms, spring is officially declared in Cornwall, usually well ahead of the rest of the UK.

Meet the Gardeners – A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Launching in March, a new social media series titled ‘Meet the Gardeners’ will introduce the experts who nurture these landscapes. Expect gardening tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and stories from those who keep these world-class gardens thriving.

A Landmark Anniversary Photograph

To mark 30 years, a specially commissioned group photograph will bring together representatives from all 14 gardens, symbolising the unity and collaboration at the heart of The Great Gardens of Cornwall.

A Mini-Documentary and a New Book

Later in the year, a mini-documentary featuring all 14 gardens will be released, offering a visually stunning look at their history and impact. A new book will also be published, taking readers behind the scenes and sharing horticultural stories from across the collective.

Stay Updated

With a full year of events and projects ahead, The Great Gardens of Cornwall promises an exciting 2025 for visitors and garden lovers. Follow their updates on Facebook for the latest news and announcements.

Here’s to 30 years of Cornwall’s remarkable gardens—and many more to come.