About pinetum park
One of the loveliest gardens in Cornwall is still relatively unknown and Situated near St.Austell.This 30 acre garden is immaculately maintained and contains a fascinating collection of 6000 different types of plants. Pinetum Park is in fact a series of 10 gardens,all with a different focus or theme.
Spring time throughout the gardens there are wonderful collections of Magnolias,Camellias,Rhododendrons and Azaleas.Complimenting these are formal gardens full of rare and unusual plants,many of which originate from the mediterranean and the southern Hemisphere.
Summer time there are drifts of spring bulbs,beds full of summer herbaceous plants.
scores of Stunning autumn-leaf colouring shrubs and trees.
Winter time,an excellent 3 acre Winter Garden full of flowers,coloured barks,foliage,scents and snowdrops.
Water is a constant theme and there are lakes and islands where swan nest,a Koi Carp pool surrounded by scented plants including a delightful white wisteria which weaves its way across an arching ornamental bridge in true Monet style.
Elsewhere,open parkland dotted with mature oaks is reminiscent of an English Lancelot 'Capability'Brown landscape,but foe me one of the loveliest corners of this remarkable and eclectic horticultural gem is the Japanese Garden.quietly tucked away between woodland and parkland and reached by cobbled paths,is a tranquil Zen Shakii garden with an authentic Japanese tea house.All the plants in this garden have been grown from seed kindly supplied by Kyoto Botanical Garden in Japan.
This is a place to both relax and reflect;a place to allow all your senses to be awakened to the fragrances,sights,sounds and tactile plants on display.Run your hand cross the soft tops of moisture-laden moss before allowing it to drift along the nearby granite stone seats,such a simple thing but it will leave your senses tingling and create a memory for life.As will a visit to Pinetum Park & Pinelodge Gardens,take my word for it,I promise you won't be disappointed.
My very best wishes
Written by Tony Russell
(BBC Garden writer and broadcaster)