The focal point of the feature is a large piece of local stone found on the estate near Truro – possibly belonging to an old garden roller as it had a hole drilled through the centre.
Recycling this part of the estate's history Head Gardener, Gary Long, arranged for the stone to be placed on its end and used as the centre of the fountain. Water now flows through the central hole onto surrounding granite stones – creating the sound of a gently babbling brook.
The water feature marks the centre of the new rose garden that is set out in the shape of a traditional Celtic Cross. It is already attracting compliments from visitors to the gardens, which are open to the public daily.
The roses were planted just before Christmas. They are not yet in flower but are maturing quickly – thanks partially to the beds having been heavily mulched with spent mushroom compost from Tregonnings Nursery, Stithians.
The garden is approached either through a wooden pergola with climbing roses, jasmine and wisteria growing over it or through an avenue of poles with rope swags with climbing roses being encouraged to grow along the swags.
Roses are a particular favourite of Trewithen's owner, Michael Galsworthy. Gary explained that Mr Galsworthy asked for a properly designed dedicated rose garden some years ago to extend the summer colour and flowering season at Trewithen.
"Mr Galsworthy wanted to create a wow factor with colour, smell and blooms," he said. "It will be the first dedicated rose garden open to the public in Cornwall."
With the help of Stewart Pocock, owner of the Cornish Rose Company, the garden was designed and planted with around 3,000 rose plants ranging from the newest rose ‘Sweet Haze'- the rose of the year for 2008 launched at Hampton Court last July – back to the 18th century Rosa mundi bred about the time Trewithen was founded in the mid-18th century. To add texture to the beds the chosen roses will be of varying heights – from miniature bushes around a foot high to five foot standard roses and everything in between.
"As well as providing pleasure with this rose garden we're aiming to make Trewithen the centre for roses in Cornwall," said Gary. "People will be able to see the roses in situ then buy them at the nursery where staff will be able to advise them on the best variety for their particular garden."
Gary also explained that as the Rose Garden has been created close to the café, visitors will also benefit from the regular Sunday lunchtime brass and silver band sessions held on the lawn outside it. The next will be on May 11th when the Bugle Silver Band will perform a wide range of music from classical to pop between 12pm and 2pm.
Trewithen Gardens are open 7 days a week until the end of May from 10am to 4pm. From 1 June they are open Monday to Saturday at the same times. For more information, visit www.trewithengardens.co.uk
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