When I first heard of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, I imagined a marvel of the ancient world. Much to my surprise, I discovered this is actually a historic garden estate in Cornwall, England. The Tremayne family began creating these incredible gardens in the mid-18th century and up through the early 20th century. They span over 200 acres and contain an amazing array of winding pathways, wildlife and incredibly diverse plant life. There are aged and colossal rhododendrons and camellias,as well as a series of lakes fed by a 100-year-old pump.
There are also very productive flower and vegetable gardens, an Italian garden, and a wild area called “The Jungle”. As well as pineapple pits. An unlikely thing to see in that part of the world.
Before the First World War, the gardens had 22 gardeners who maintained them. Many of those men enlisted, and 16 died in battle. By 1916, only eight men were looking after the gardens. The house was also used as a convalescent home for WW1 survivors.
In 1920, the owner of Heligan decided to move to Italy and lease the house out.US forces used its during the Second World War while they trained for D-Day on local beaches.
Jack Tremayne, the last direct descendant of 400 years of ancestry, died in 1945. The house was eventually sold off in the 1970s and divided into flats. The land, however went into a trust to benefit several members of the extended Tremayne family. John Willis is one family member who discovered and decided to restore the gardens to their former glory. This took over 30 years. They now provide employment to the community and are a major attraction of beauty for people to come and see.
