Cornwall


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29446" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Darren-Dickey-Trebah.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-where-did-it-all-start-for-you-what-prompted-a-career-in-gardening">So where did it all start for you – what prompted a career in gardening?</h2>



<p>My love of horticulture started as a child. I was very lucky as my parents moved down to Cornwall in 1981 and bought a farm, so a perfect place to grow up. My grandparents bought half of the farmhouse and lived next door. My grandfather was very into gardening and I would often spend many an hour helping him out growing ornamentals as well as fruit and veg.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29444" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-2-View-down-the-Garden-at-Trebah.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How long have you worked at Trebah&nbsp; / been head gardener?</h2>



<p>I started at <a href="https://www.greatgardensofcornwall.co.uk/trebah-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trebah</a> in 1991 helping to clear up after the storms of 1990. I was lucky enough to spend the next 10 years working under some extremely good Head Gardeners and was then promoted to Head Gardener by the then Curator in 2002.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What makes the garden at Trebah so special?</h2>



<p>Trebah has several key elements that make it so special. The topography allows for great elevated and varied views into and out of the garden. One minute you are walking underneath a large Chusan palm towering above you and the next minute you are looking down onto giant rhododendrons, Gunnera and other colourful and exotic plants. Families are also well catered for with dedicated play areas for all ages, trails around the garden and the ultimate water feature and a great USP for us our very own private beach that overlooks the mouth of the Helford estuary and the sea beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29454" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Trebah-Beach-and-Boathouse-cafe.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tell us about some of the challenges gardening at Trebah?</h2>



<p>One of the biggest challenges for a gardener at Trebah is that there are very few flat areas in the garden. This makes it a challenge to traverse especially when looking to develop and enhance areas. Other factors include the weather. Last summer was one of the driest on record at Trebah. In a normal year we would not normally need to irrigate as there is usually a reasonable balance. We do have a borehole though and the plan is to install an irrigation system that can be tapped into should we need it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When should we visit? Is any month more lovely than the rest?</h2>



<p>The great thing about Trebah is there is something to see at any time of the year. That is why we have a strong membership with over 5000 Trebah Garden Trust members. But if I had to say a month when there is the most colour that would be April, although from July onwards the Hydrangea Valley comes alive and is awash with colour all the way through the summer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29449" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Hydrangea-Valley-from-Healeys-Hill.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is there anything unusual planted in the garden/ part of the garden?</h2>



<p>There are several curiosities in the garden but for me it is the massed planting that impress. From the glades of tree ferns at the top of the garden to Rhododendron valley and bamboo collection through the middle of the garden and then as you carry on down there is the Gunnera plantation and the hydrangea valley before you head down on through to the beach. These are the things that people carry with them as a lasting memory.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29448" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Gunnera-Passage-at-Trebah.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s your favourite part the garden?</h2>



<p>My favourite area is the Chilean Coomb. It has so much varied interest throughout the year. From the Champion Chilean Laurel with its weeping evergreen form to the Giant magnolia Cambellii that lights the area up with its showey pink flowers in February, followed on by the daffodils in the grassy glade in the middle and then probably my favourite tree, the Davidia or hankerchief tree, with its white bracts that are set of wonderfully by the fresh new limey green foliage that in turn contrast against the bluebells that are also in flower.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-The-view-from-Radiata-Path-at-Trebah.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How&#8217;s the champion magnolias campbellii tree looking for this year&#8217;s spring / blossom watch?</h2>



<p>Nothing to show yet. It will probably start around the first or second week in February. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is Trebah a garden which is evolving &#8211; i.e. do you have to keep planting and creating new parts, or is it more preserving?</h2>



<p>Trebah is constantly evolving. Although there is a historical collection we aim to preserve there are always areas that can be improved either by natural clearance in a storm or as planned clearance. These form part of our rolling development plan and key objective of enhancing the visitor experience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29451" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Looking-Out-To-Sea-Over-Mallard-Pond.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where do you visit for inspiration to keep your ideas fresh?</h2>



<p>Other local and national gardens as well as international gardens. No one particular garden as they are all very different and can give you inspiration in their own way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Any suggestions for gardening in Cornwall specifically – what should we be doing in Feb /March/ April? </h2>



<p><strong>Change is clearly happening to our environment down here, with hotter and colder weather now more frequent. What suggestions do you have for people to future proof enjoyment?</strong></p>



<p>It seems that we are getting we are getting more extremes as you say, with longer dryer spells leading through from spring into summer and then wetter winters. The challenge is getting the planting right to suit these conditions. </p>



<p>My suggestion would be to mulch herbaceous/shrub borders in February to help lock in the moisture for the summer. This could then be supplemented with water harvested from roof spaces and stored in water butts. I believe Southwest Water were offering subsidised water butts to their customers. Rainwater harvesting must be one of the best ways of safeguarding supplies as they become more precious during extreme periods of drought. </p>



<p>March is then a good time to lift and divide perennials, lift and move bamboos, plant out summer flowering bulbs and prune your hydrangeas. </p>



<p>April is when we prune and thin out our bamboos and prune/ tie in rambling roses. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="673" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped-1000x673.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-29452" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped-1000x673.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped-800x538.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped-768x517.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped-780x525.jpeg 780w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/Trebah-Gardens-Lower-Petrys-Path-Sunrise-JL-2-cropped.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">For those of us with little (or no) outside garden space, what indoor plants should we be getting? Any top tips?</h2>



<p>My wife and I tend to focus more on the outside space at home and not so much indoors, but we do have a few Phalaenopsis orchids or Moth orchids as they are commonly known. These are probably the easiest orchis to grow and will repeat flower year after year with a little care. They do best on an East or North facing windowsill that is out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat such as a radiator. They only require watering once a week or two, rainwater is best or you can use boiled tap water once cooled.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What do you do when you’re not gardening?</h2>



<p>My wife Debbie and I love exploring the southwest coast path, although with a 3-year-old son we have adapted our walks to fit in a bit of rock pooling, digging on the beach and general water play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">And lastly, we can’t talk about Cornwall and not ask – what’s your favourite beach?</h2>



<p>My family and I live in Falmouth near the golf course. During lockdown we explored the local area on foot and found a rather nice walk through the countryside that leads to Maenporth beach (adjoins Bream Cove, below, next to Hotel Meudon). When we don’t fancy a drive we will load up the backpack and carrier and head off there. It is a rather nice beach that has shallow waters and is great for sandcastle building. &nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29455" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/01/RB-Image-Bream-Cove-Maenporth.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>The history of Trebah is a fascinating tale, from its creation by Charles Fox, part of the Fox family of Falmouth whose influence on Cornish gardens is well documented to the second world war, where 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.</em></p>



<p>Trebah is one of The Great Gardens of Cornwall.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.greatgardensofcornwall.co.uk/trebah-garden/"><em>greatgardensofcornwall.co.uk/trebah-garden/</em></a></p>



<p>Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JZ</p>


Muddy Meets: Darren Dickey, Head Gardener, Trebah, Cornwall

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