The Trebah Garden Trust are delighted to unveil their beautiful new Court Garden, a unique walled garden that opens to the public from Friday 12 May.
Constructed on the site of a former tennis court, hence the choice of name, the project is the culmination of many years of planning. Sheltered by warm stone walling, and planted more formally than other areas, this is an accesible space for everyone to enjoy.
L-R: Director Nigel Burnett, Charles Williams of Caerhays, Chairman Robert Dudley-Cooke, Head Gardener Darren Dickey
The Court Garden offers visitors a diverse range of plants and flowers, all chosen by Head Gardener Darren Dickey and the Trust’s Garden Committee, not only to encourage pollinators but also to engage with the senses.
“We’d been conscious for some time,” says Garden Director Nigel Burnett, “that, because of mobility or other issues, some people found it hard to explore all of the garden and enjoy all that Trebah has to offer.” The solution was to create an easily accessible, flat area close to the car park, with raised beds and formal planting, with plentiful seating and space for wheelchairs.
Award-winning landscape architect Richard Sneesby was commissioned to design the garden, which has an impressive granite water feature at its centre. “Trebah is one of this country’s most important gardens,” says Richard, “so it was a delight to take on the challenge of creating this new space. I wanted to use plants which appeal to all the senses within the walls, include shelter from the elements and, taking advice from accessibility experts and disability practitioners, design seating and spaces on a surface which is non-slip and wheelchair friendly. It really is a garden for everyone.”
The project has used Cornish contractors as much as possible to achieve its aim. The main entrance gates were made by Kevin Geary, a local blacksmith, the stone comes from Trebarwith Quarry and the main contractors are Marnick Builders, based a few miles away in Falmouth.
It’s been planted by Trebah’s own Head Gardener Darren Dickey along with members of his team. “Many of the plants we’re using have been grown on-site,” says Darren. “We know what grows well here - it’s a truly Cornish garden”.
Trebah Garden’s Chairman Robert Dudley-Cooke says that when he first came to the garden around forty years ago the lack of a walled garden was something that he noticed. “Over the years we’ve made great changes to the garden; there’s now an impressive amphitheatre and the access to our private beach has been improved. When the opportunity to create an entirely new garden within Trebah’s footprint came along we were excited by what could be created.”
