The iconic hydrangea collection at Trebah Garden, near Falmouth, has bloomed slightly earlier than usual this year, thanks to a near-perfect balance of sunshine and rainfall, creating an especially vibrant display.

 Garden visitors to the historic sub-tropical garden are now being greeted with one of the most colourful and abundant hydrangea seasons in recent years, as the valley garden moves toward its peak summer spectacle.

 Every year, three acres of blue, pink, purple and white hydrangeas bloom around Mallard Pond in the lower valley, which borders the Helford River. Gentle reflections in the water, combined with a monet-esque bridge, form an impressionist display, around which the pastels of summer gradually turn to vintage hues as autumn and winter set in.

 Trebah’s hydrangeas were planted in the 1950s so that cut flowers could be sent up to Covent Garden flower market. The well-established plants have been cared for ever since, with an annual pruning in winter, undertaken by the dedicated team of gardeners and volunteers.

 Head Gardener Darren Dickey says:

“This year’s conditions have been almost ideal, with just the right mix of sunshine and rain to encourage strong, healthy growth in our hydrangeas and produce this fantastic display. The hydrangeas will now flower until winter, when we’ll include the dried flower heads in our natural Christmas display. A big thanks must go to the staff and volunteers who work so hard pruning the plants in the cold winter months so we can enjoy such impressive blooms in summer.”