🌿Cornish Garden History: From Victorian Plant Hunters to Famous Subtropical Gardens
Lose yourself in the lush greenery of Glendurgan Garden’s iconic maze — a Victorian gem in the heart of Cornwall.
When you think of Cornwall, you probably picture rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and a proper pasty. But did you know this little corner of the UK is also home to some of the most exotic, subtropical gardens you’ll find anywhere in the country — and it’s all thanks to a wild history of plant hunting, daring adventures, and a climate we’re surprisingly lucky to have.
We’re digging into the fascinating story behind Cornwall’s famous gardens, how Victorian plant hunters shaped the landscape we know today, and why this patch of the southwest is a magnet for gardeners and plant lovers from all over.
🌱 Why Cornwall Is a Garden-Lover’s Dream
Thanks to its mild, ocean-tempered climate, Cornwall boasts some of the warmest and sunniest weather in the UK. Our winters are less harsh, and summers are bright and balmy — the perfect recipe for growing exotic plants that struggle elsewhere in Britain.
Combine that with rich, fertile soil and a coastline that catches the Gulf Stream, and you’ve got yourself a gardener’s paradise.
This unique climate has made Cornwall a hotspot for plant collectors and horticultural pioneers for centuries and the legacy they left behind is still flourishing in gardens and estates across the county today.
Trelissick Gardens bursts into colour each spring with its show-stopping azaleas and sweeping lawns.
🌸 The Victorian Plant Hunters: Brave, Bonkers and Brilliant
Back in the 1800s, plant hunting was a serious business. Wealthy estate owners wanted to impress their guests with rare and unusual species from far-off lands, so they’d send daring adventurers on treacherous voyages around the world to bring back new discoveries.
These Victorian plant hunters were the rockstars of their time (minus the guitars, plus a lot more risk of shipwreck and jungle fever).
They ventured deep into the Amazon, across the Himalayas, and through the wilds of China and New Zealand, braving the elements, disease, and dodgy local cuisine — all to collect exotic seeds and cuttings to wow the folks back home.
Some of the best-known plant hunters who left their mark on Cornwall include:
Sir Joseph Hooker — a mate of Charles Darwin and one of the earliest to introduce Himalayan rhododendrons to the UK.
William Lobb — a Cornishman himself, who brought back giant redwood seeds from California.
Ernest Wilson — responsible for introducing over 1,000 species of plants to British gardens.
Plant hunter Joseph Hooker in the Himalayas — bringing exotic finds back to Cornish gardens and risking imprisonment along the way.
🌿 The Famous Gardens of Cornwall: A Living Legacy
Fast forward to today, and many of those exotic discoveries can still be admired in some of Cornwall’s most famous gardens, often just a short drive from our jobs here at ML Rashleigh & Son.
A few of our favourites:
Trebah Garden — A stunning subtropical paradise with a private beach on the Helford River. You’ll find towering tree ferns, giant gunnera, and plants you wouldn’t expect to see outside of the tropics.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan — Once abandoned and overgrown, these historic gardens were rediscovered in the 1990s and are now home to rare species and ancient woodlands.
Trelissick — A classic Cornish garden with sweeping views over the Fal Estuary, bursting with vibrant blooms all year round.
Glendurgan Garden — Famous for its giant laurel maze, winding pathways, and a collection of exotic plants that thrive in the sheltered valley microclimate.
Subtropical sights in Cornwall — Trelissick’s palms and rhododendrons offer a taste of the exotic right on our doorstep.
🌺 What This Means for Your Cornish Garden
Living in Cornwall means you can grow a whole range of plants and flowers that wouldn’t stand a chance in harsher parts of the UK.
From towering palm trees and bamboo to agapanthus, camellias and hydrangeas the size of dinner plates, your outdoor space can take on a subtropical feel with the right planting and care.
At ML Rashleigh & Son, we often work with clients to create outdoor spaces inspired by these historic Cornish gardens — whether it’s building a new patio surrounded by lush planting or creating raised beds for tropical-looking blooms.
A fresh fence and hardy coastal planting — Cornish palms and Griselinia thrive in salt-laden sea air.
🌿 Top Tips for Adding a Touch of Cornish Garden Magic
Fancy bringing a little of that wild Victorian plant hunter spirit to your own garden? Here’s where to start:
1️⃣ Pick the Right Plants: Go for hardy exotics like tree ferns, bamboos, cordylines, and agapanthus — plants that love Cornwall’s mild winters and long growing season.
2️⃣ Shelter Is Key: Even in Cornwall, those salty sea winds can be unforgiving. Use hedging, fences, or clever planting to protect more delicate plants.
3️⃣ Make It Your Own: Take inspiration from the classics but create a garden that suits your lifestyle. A few well-chosen feature plants, a sunny seating spot, and a smart lawn can work wonders.
🌸 The Bottom Line
Cornwall’s wild gardening history is one of adventure, beauty and bold ideas — and it’s right on your doorstep. Whether you’ve got a sprawling plot or a cosy courtyard, there’s no reason you can’t give your garden a little exotic flair.
Need a hand? From patios and fencing to planting schemes and lawn care, ML Rashleigh & Son is here to help you make the most of your outdoor space.
📩 Drop us a message — we’re always happy to chat garden ideas (or swap plant facts over a cuppa).
