From exotic Puya plants with their stunning blue flowers to the pineapple-scented Tagetes lemmonii, from the historic maze based on Bath's lost Sydney Gardens to the thrilling Giant's Stride, Glendurgan offers surprises at every turn. Nestled in a green valley that unfolds into three smaller valleys, this former family paradise continues to enchant visitors with its blend of horticultural treasures, family-friendly features, and breathtaking views down to little Durgan village and the sea beyond.

Join Adam as he explores what makes Glendurgan truly special - a garden that changes with the seasons, welcomes wildlife, and offers its own little piece of heaven on the Fal.

I’m often asked which garden my favourite is to work in, as I help look after three. And depending on the day and which garden I’m in; it will usually be that one! But more to the point, I feel very fortunate to work in three very different gardens, with  three hard-working and passionate teams, each garden with its own story to tell. To me, that’s a real joy. Our gardens can welcome the public in and offer something unique.

I’ve been in post as Head Gardener for six months now, and the time has flown by. They say when time flies, you must be having fun. There’s so much to learn, you never stop learning in the gardening world, and I’m constantly being blown away by something new. At Glendurgan, there’s particularly a lot to take in, whether it’s the history with the Fox family, who didn’t just set up one garden but three, or the diverse collection of plants that Glendurgan showcases.

But that’s not at the expense of character. I’ve already been told that a certain plant in a certain spot might be described as “very Glendurgan” and that charm is part of what makes this place special. Nestled within a green valley that itself contains three smaller valleys, Glendurgan is a truly unique space to grow and test the limits of what will thrive here.

One plant that’s really caught my eye is the Puya. They’re unusual, whether it’s the towering flower stalks of the chilensis form or the incredible blue of the alpestris. I hadn’t even heard of these plants before, and yet here they are, growing happily at Glendurgan. Another one—among many, I should say—is a plant in the new border by the Schoolroom. A member of the garden team has been creating this area, and it includes a plant called Tagetes lemmonii, which, when you rub the leaves, smells almost like pineapples.

But it’s not just the plant kingdom that will please the enthusiast, there are features here that keep many families happy too. The maze, for example, is based on a design from Sydney Gardens in Bath (which no longer exists). It’s great fun—if you can find your way out! And if that’s not enough, we also have the Giant’s Stride, which is a real test of how far you can swing yourself around.

As a child myself once, I was always fascinated by the trees at Glendurgan, especially the large tulip tree, which has such character. Just the sight of it gives you a sense of its impressive stature. Nature is a lovely part of the experience here too. Our meadows attract a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and all sorts of pollinators. On many occasions, you might even catch a glimpse of a local buzzard flying through the valley, which I love every time I see it.

Glendurgan was always a family home, and the family saw this garden as their own piece of heaven. With stunning views from various points, the charm of little Durgan village at the bottom of the garden, and the chance to relax and look out to sea with a nice ice cream from one of our volunteers in the village, it’s easy to see why.

It’s not just a garden for one season either. The trees set the stage for this unique garden valley, and with that comes the autumn leaf colour. If it’s not the golden leaves of our giant tulip tree, it might be the scent of the katsura tree, which smells like candyfloss at certain times as the leaves turn.

So, if you have time, come visit Glendurgan and you too can enjoy this little piece of heaven on the Fal.

Find out more about visiting Glendurgan Garden here