The moment the Cornish magnolias flower, spring has arrived in England.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the county’s mild, sub-tropical climate ensures that Cornwall sees signs of spring much earlier than the rest of the country.

The first botanical day of spring is declared once six magnificent Magnolia campbellii in each of the Great Gardens of Cornwall have flowered, with at least 50 blooms on each of the champion trees.

Cornwall’s Spring Story was founded by Toby Ashworth, proprietor of The Nare Hotel, in partnership with the Great Gardens of Cornwall in 2012 - to save garden lovers from missing the splendid sight of the early spring Magnolia campbellii.

The six champion Magnolia campbellii trees are located within Cornwall’s Great Gardens of Caerhays, Trebah, Tregothnan, Trewidden, Trewithen, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Annually, each head gardener closely monitors the trees, signalling the start of spring the moment all six prized Magnolia trees flower with at least 50 blooms.

Mr Ashworth says:

“Spring often arrives in Cornwall an entire month before the remainder of Britain, and this year is no different. We were delighted to see the blooms flowering in the beautiful gardens across the Duchy and to welcome many friends to The Nare to celebrate Cornwall at its best.”

Charles Williams, owner of Caerhays Castle and Gardens and Chairman of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, adds:

“There’s nowhere better to enjoy early spring than in Cornwall. Garden lovers should plan to come here in March to really see the gardens in all their spectacular and unique beauty. Flowering Magnolias are the true start of the Spring season”.

  Find out more about The Nare here

  Find out more about The Great Gardens of Cornwall here