Gardens of Cornwall

Date: Thursday 6th - Monday 10th May 2010

Cost: €875 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Once again we visit Cornwall, this wonderful peninsular, which aided by the Gulf Stream, has one of the mildest climates in Britain. An opportunity to see rare, exotic and tender plants, sent by plant collectors for over 200 years, now flourishing in this ideal landscape. Magnificent rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias flower in this perfect environment at this ideal time of year to visit. We include the wonderfully restored Lost Gardens of Heligan and the now fully developed and innovative Eden Project.

Thursday, 6th May
Meet Iain at Dublin Airport for early morning flight to Bristol. On arrival, a private coach transports us to our hotel, stopping en route for lunch at the famous Jamaica Inn. We then visit the magnificent late Victorian garden and house of Llanhydrock before travelling to the maritime town of Falmouth where we are based in the Falmouth Hotel. This hotel has all the usual facilities including an indoor pool, spas, sauna & steam room. It is situated on the sea front within walking distance of the town.

Friday, 7th May
An opportunity to visit TRESCO on the Scilly Isles - a sheltered, secluded island containing a collection of plants unique to the British Isles and usually only found in Mediterranean regions; plants from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia all flourish in this wonderful setting. Transfer by helicopter – this is an optional tour. Early booking is advised to secure seats on the helicopter. Alternatively, the day can be spent visiting Trevarno Gardens and St. Ives – free time to shop or visit the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and the Tate Gallery. Return to hotel to dine as a group. Please note additional cost for Tresco.

Saturday, 8th May
Morning visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. This award-winning garden is the scene of the greatest restoration project in Europe. Afternoon visit to Trewithan, a 30-acre garden renowned for its magnificent collection of Camellias, Rhododendrons, Magnolias and many other rare shrubs and trees. Return to hotel for dinner together.

Sunday, 9th May
Morning free to explore Falmouth; shop or visit the National Maritime Museum. Early afternoon we visit Trebah - a dramatically beautiful 26- cre garden with a wooded ravine descending to a private beach on the Helford River. See glades of 100-year- old Tree Ferns, waterfalls, streams and water gardens full of Koi carp. Return to hotel to dine as a group.

Monday, 10th May
Check out of hotel and visit Pine Lodge Gardens and Nursery. The present owners moved here in 1976 and their collection of plants now stands at over 6000 – all labelled! We then visit The Eden Project, still prospering as the most successful of Britain’s millennium projects. A series of Perspex domes, erected in a former clay quarry, form the largest greenhouses in the world. Wander through climatic zones where entire ecosystems are created. There is also an extensive shop and restaurants. Our return flight to Dublin arrives at 23.00.

Iain MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; he will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes flights, taxes, dinner, bed and breakfast in hotel, all entrances to gardens, and guide fees.

COST: €875.00 per person sharing

No single supplement for first ten rooms booked.

Optional Trip to Tresco: €100.00

Deposit: €250.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change