The Court Garden opens at Trebah

11th May 2023 : The Trebah Garden Trust are delighted to unveil their beautiful new Court Garden, a unique walled garden, which was launched today with an opening ceremony, followed by access for Members of the Garden. It opens to the public from tomorrow, Friday 12th 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 area for everyone to enjoy regardless of their mobility or impaired senses. The Court Garden offer visitors a diverse range of plants and flowers, all chosen by Head Garden, 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 had to offer.”  The solution was to create an easily accessible, flat area close to the car park, with raised beds and formal planting and with plentiful seating and space for wheelchairs. 

Award winning designer 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 are being 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.”

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Notes for Editors

Trebah Gardens is a 26-acre subtropical paradise located in the heart of Cornwall, featuring a range of gardens, including a private beach, a water garden, and a stunning coastal path. The garden is home to over 100 species of plants and flowers, including rare and exotic varieties from around the world.

The opening of the Court Garden is just one of many exciting developments at Trebah Gardens and events for all the family throughout the year.

Trebah was created by Charles Fox, part of the Fox Family of Falmouth – a quaker family of great horticultural zeal, whose influence on Cornish gardens is well documented.

During the second world war, Trebah’s beach was an embarkation point for the 29th US Infantry Division destined for the assault landing on Omaha beach. Between 1961 and 1971 Trebah was owned by the racing driver and car designer Donald Healey who removed most of the concrete from the beach, built the boathouse and restored the ponds. In 1981, Trebah was bought by Major Hibbert and his wife Eira, who continued a programme of restoration and in 1990 the Hibberts donated the house and garden to the Trebah Garden Trust, a registered charity.

The Court Garden is now open to visitors, and Trebah Gardens encourages all visitors to come and experience the beauty of this stunning new addition. For more information on Trebah Gardens and the Court Garden Wall Garden, visit www.trebahgarden.co.uk.

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