Private gardens are opening to the public across Cornwall this summer as part of The National Garden Scheme.

Founded in 1927 to raise funds for community nurses, the scheme aims to raise substantial amounts for some of the nation's most beloved health charities such as Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson's UK. 

In 2023, more than £3.4-million was raised nationally and more than £58,000 was proudly raised in Cornwall. 

A list of upcoming gardening events happening in Cornwall in late June and July:

A delightful garden near Frenchmans Creek, on the Lizard, which is the setting for Kestle Barton Gallery; wildflower meadow, Cornish orchard with named varieties and a formal garden with prairie planting in blocks by James Alexander Sinclair.

It is a riot of colour in summer and continues to delight well into late summer. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/35625/kestle-barton

A limited number of tickets are available for an exclusive, private visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Meet in the carpark at 10am. Enjoy an introductory talk by the Head Gardener followed by tours of the productive and ornamental gardens by the garden team.

Visitors are then welcome to stay in the gardens for the rest of the day and explore. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Pre-booking is essential, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/12281/the-lost-gardens-of-heligan

Enchanting cottage and woodland gardens of native and rare trees, shrubs and perennials, encouraging biodiversity. The site of 1½ acres is on a south facing Cornish hillside with panoramic views.

Protected by essential windbreak hedging, the inspiring collection of plants has been chosen to create intrigue and increase diversity. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/22182/bucks-head-house-garden

Trelan has a distinctly tropical feel. There is a swimming pond surrounded by lush vegetation, an Italianate sunken garden, a fern garden, numerous young trees and countless Echium pininana.

It is a feast for the eyes. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44588/trelan

Lord and Lady St Levan, generous supporters of the National Garden Scheme, are opening the iconic gardens of St Michael's Mount for charity.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the steeply terraced, subtropical gardens in the knowledge that money raised on the day will be going to benefit a range of health and nursing charities.

There is an amazing range of tender and unusual plants to discover, all of which thrive in the maritime microclimate. Pre-booking is essential, visit: stmichaelsmount.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/40915?catID=41012&

1950s house with mature trees, flower gardens established about 5 years ago with just over 1 acre incorporating a waterfall, pond and lawned areas. Packed with many plants and shrubs inc over 100 named roses, several varieties of hydrangeas and perfumed plants in abundance.

There is an outside kitchen area, pergolas, a fruit and vegetable garden with cut flowers which the garden also use for dried flowers. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44437/firste-park

Two acre garden, substantially re-landscaped and planted, mostly over last 12 years. To the side of the C17/C18 house, a wooded bank drops down to a walled kitchen garden and hot garden.

In front, sweeping yew hedges and paths define oval lawns and broad mixed borders. On a lower terrace, the focus is a large pond and the planting is predominantly exotic flowering trees and shrubs. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33398/crugsillick-manor

Menheniot Gardens is a group of five gardens and three community spaces situated in an attractive old mining village all within a reasonable walking distance from the sports pavilion.

They consist of cottage gardens, private gardens and community spaces. There is a wide range of plants and shrubs and a section on rewilding that should interest most visitors. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18858/menheniot-gardens

A delightful garden near Frenchmans Creek, on the Lizard, which is the setting for Kestle Barton Gallery; wildflower meadow, Cornish orchard with named varieties and a formal garden with prairie planting in blocks by James Alexander Sinclair.

It is a riot of colour in summer and continues to delight well into late summer. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/16162/pinsla-garden

A stunning landscape and a variety of planting styles define this country garden.

Formal and informal areas are enhanced with sculpture, and with its abundant herbaceous borders, dry terraces, courtyard garden, woodland glade, wildlife pond, beehives, orchard, fruit garden and a productive (and beautiful) kitchen garden it’s a plot that feels much bigger than its one and a half acres. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/35584/gardens-cottage

An ancient stannary town, Lostwithiel dates back to the C12. A bustling and colourful little town with a strong sense of community and camaraderie.

The pop up group of gardens comprise five great little spaces, each with their own sense of style, but typically small-town gardens.

They are guaranteed to inspire those who have their own small garden and showcase what can really be done with such a small space. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/47032/lostwithiel-gardens

The one acre garden is a mass of summer colour in late June and July when the National collection of Clematis viticella cvs is in flower.

Other climbing plants abound lending foliage, flower and scent. Situated in the garden is a specialist climbing plant nursery which along with a Victorian conservatory and greenhouse is open.

The garden features two ponds and lots of seating areas. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/11400/roseland-house

Vibrant four acre south-facing coastal garden, with varied stunning vistas of Talland Bay, the ancient Talland Church and surrounding hills.

Mature Monterey pines lead directly to the SW Coast Path. Restoring this historic churchyard garden has been an ongoing labour of love since 2018.

Paths and some steep steps wind through terraced gardens, with seating to rest and enjoy the wonderful views. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45804/the-old-vicarage

Colour, shape and texture define this North Cornwall garden. The property and gardens extend to about an acre, with grassland, wild areas and Cornish hedges completing the two acre plot.

Planted over the past 11 years there is a mix of shrubs and trees interplanted with perennials to ensure year-round display. Vegetable beds and a polytunnel with tender plants make this a rounded garden visit. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44993/rose-morran

Antony Woodland Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Cornwall. It is a haven of serenity and peace, the perfect place for a pleasant walk, a picnic, for children to explore and for those interested in gardening, to enjoy a magnificent variety of plants.

As an “International Camellia Garden of Excellence” it holds the National Collection of Camellia japonica. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44438/antony-woodland-garden-woodland-walk

Essentially, this is a plantsman’s garden. Winding paths lead through a series of themed rooms with familiar, rare and unusual plants.

Steps lead up to a raised viewpoint looking west towards Caradon Hill and Bodmin Moor. Other paths take you on a circular route through a rose garden, hot beds, a tropical area and a secret garden. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33202/anvil-cottage

A newly created garden, planted during 2023, on the site of a former mill. Contains a variety of young specimen trees, herbaceous borders, an extensive collection of Intersectional (ITOH) peonies, roses, small pond and water feature.

The garden is laid out on different levels on a gently sloping site with several seating areas to relax in sun or shade. There are gravel paths and some steps. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45998/lametton-mill

The gardens at Trevina are both old and new. From a Victorian cottage garden with original cobbled paths to rewilded woodland.

A trout pond occupies the site of a medieval fish pond and the site of a Cornish Round. There is a traditional kitchen garden and organic orchard.

The gardens have colour and interest year-round, from the first snowdrops, bluebells, apple blossom and ripe apples in October. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/44980/trevina-house

A tranquil woodland garden that celebrates Cornwall’s unique industrial heritage. Deep in the Gover Valley on the site of old china clay works this wildlife friendly garden has been lovingly created to make the most of the many historical features.

River/woodland walks, spring bluebells, formal planting, bog garden, exotic plant jungle, stumpery, leat fed ponds, secluded seating areas and more. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45802/treglyn

Two very different gardens within a few minutes drive from each other. 9 Higman Close, a restless, constantly changing, unapologetically busy garden, full of good plants with colour, scent and surprises. Glasshouse overflowing with cacti and succulents, some over 35 years old.

The garden at South Bosent is currently being developed from farmland. The aim is to create a combination of interesting plants coupled with habitat for wildlife over a total of 9½ acres.

Several garden areas, woodland gardens, a meadow, ponds of varying sizes, inc. rill and waterfall. In spring, the bluebell wood trail runs alongside the stream. To book, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45012/dobwalls-gardens

Set in seven ½ acres of wooded grounds, Roseland Parc delivers a varied selection of all that Cornish gardens have to offer.

Spring time camellia, rhododendron and magnolia give way to bright summer displays of perennials, tree ferns and exotic planting. A small wildflower meadow and wildlife area with ponds is also featured. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/45453/roseland-parc

Beautiful, unique, three acre cliffside garden overlooking Lamorna Cove. Planting started in 1998, mainly southern hemisphere shrubs and exotics with hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons.

Woodland area with tree ferns set against large granite outcrops. Garden terraced with steep steps and paths.

Plenty of benches so you can take a rest and enjoy the wonderful views. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/18633/chygurno

The garden at West Kitcham is a ‘work in progress’. The house and garden are set in beautiful countryside with expansive views across farmland to Dartmoor.

The garden encompasses a range of old and new beds, with new planting all around the garden which considers our changing climate.

Visitors can enjoy the garden, small orchard, vegetable garden and new woodland walk and wildflower areas. Pre-booking is essential, visit: https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/46125/the-black-farmer-at-west-kitcham-farm

Small town garden developed over 11 years by enthusiastic amateur gardeners. Herbaceous borders, rockery. Tropicals including bananas, gingers and senecio. There’s also stream and water features, roof garden, Japanese inspired tea house and courtyard with bridge.

Fig tree and Pawlonia flank area giving secluded seating. Living pergola. New area of ponds and water features with removal of sheds and overgrown areas. For more information, visit: findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/21337/byeways