CORNWALL abounds with gardens to visit, both large and small. They range from the great public gardens to small private gardens which are open only occasionally under the  National Gardens Scheme  or for various other charities.

Each garden has its own particular character as well as illustrating the great number of plants which can be grown in the milder climate of the county. As a county, Cornwall has one of the best selection of gardens to visit in the country.

Antony - Torpoint Adjoining National Trust property. Magnolia, camellia, old hybrid rhododendrons and maples. Ponds filled with waterlilies and interesting Bath House dating from the 18th century. 100 acres of woodland. Opening arrangements, various. Tel 01752 812191

Boconnoc, Lostwithiel

Bonython Manor ­ Cury Cross Lanes near Helston. Twenty acres of color with flower decked herbaceous walled garden, potager with vegetables and flowers, South African hot border, three lakes and woodland walks surround Georgian manor (not open).

Bosahan Garden, near Helston

Caerhays Castle Gardens, St Austell ­Set near the coast overlooking the. sea. John Charles Williams who sponsored many of the great plant hunters who went out into all comers of the world to bring back plants and seeds .. The garden is full of wonderful camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias, most of which were planted by J.C. including the Williamsii camellias and the Williamsianum rhododendrons. There are many rare trees and visitors can wander round paths through the woodland. The house is open on certain days for conducted tours.

Carwinion Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth  Set in a valley on the north side of the River, Carwinion is a magical garden with ponds, waterfalls and sheltered pathways dotted amongst towering tree and well established plants plus a collection of more than 160 bamboos the largest in England. The garden was begun by the grandfather of the present owner and is open a year round with some thing to see in each season. There are twelve acres to wander around and view the many plants, wonder at the huge hundred plus year-old tree ferns, and magnificent gunnera. Cream teas are available. The garden welcomes dogs on leads. For further information call Pev or Vicky Rogers on 01326 250258 or visit www.carwinion.com

Chyverton House, Truro

Cotehele Gardens, near Saltash - Tamar Valley Adjoining the National Trust house, Cotehele gardens were laid out in the 19th century, when many trees were planted. There is a formal Italian style garden, a meadow garden and a deep valley which contains a series of adjoining ponds, trees and moisture loving plants. Tender shrubs thrive against the walls of the ancient house and there are many discoveries to be made in the beds, borders and orchards, the . latter containing old Cornish varieties. Plants for sale, restaurant etc. Gardens open all year round. Tel 01579351346.

Godolphin House, Helston

Glendurgan Garden - Helford River, Mawnan Smith. The second lovely garden in this area  owned by the Fox Family although the National Trust now has 25 acres. Renowned for its wonderful textures and tones and visual delights around every comer, a true pIantsman's paradise. Plenty of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias, plus wonderful trees both evergreen and deciduous including a magnificent tulip tree, one of the largest in the country.

Ince Castle Gardens, Saltash

KenCaro - Bicton near Liskeard. Wonderful views from this garden which has a good range of plants, some of them most unusual. Year round interest. Tel 01579 362446.

Ladock House Gardens, Truro

Lanhydrock House and Gardens, Bodmin. The gardens of Lanhydrock House, the Cornish headquarters of the National Trust, laid out in formal areas, parkland and lovely avenue of trees, now mainly beech. One area is devoted to bog plants and there are many flowering trees and shrubs, including the usual Cornish mixture of rhododendrons and camellias but with the addition of flowering cherries and almonds and hydrangeas. Tel. 01208 265950.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan , St Austell Now so famous, is maturing nicely, with many new features each year. Much work has been carried out in the gardens. Like many Cornish gardens Heligan features masses of rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas, but there is a great deal of summer interest to come. The lake area has been extensively renovated as has the wonderfully productive vegetable garden.

Exciting discoveries are made each year and there is all year round interest. For those who visited during the early years and saw the pineapple pits and the melon house still in ruins there will be the pleasure to see both fully operation once again.

Lamorran House Garden - Upper Castle Road, St Mawes. A garden recreated in 1982 by owner Robert Dudley Cooke, it bas magnificent views and an amazing variety of exotic plants including agaves, bougainvillaea, lampranthus, grevilleas, ca1Iistons and a collection of evergreen azaleas. There is a walled garden, Japanese garden with waterfall, and a Mediterranean type garden.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, near Torpoint ­Described by Samuel Pepsys in 1683 as 'the most beautiful place as ever was seen' this estate lies across the river from Plymouth, close to Torpoint, and is as beautiful as ever. The house was begun in 1547 and gradually a sumptuous garden was created with seagirt woodlands, rare trees and shrubs, a formaI garden in English, French and Italian Styles, the Earl's garden made in the 18th century

Pine Lodge Gardens - Holmbush, St Austell. A 30 acre estate with lots of different gardens within the whole and more than 6,000 plants, all labeled. All year round interest including herbaceous borders with many rare plants. Holders of National Collection of Grevilleas.

Pencarrow House & Gardens, Bodmin. FIfty acres of pure joy. Including a mile long drive flanked by huge conifers, rhododendrons, camellias and blue hydrangeas. Granite Victorian rockery, lake and Italian and American Gardens. It is claimed that at Pencarrow a guest, on seeing his first araucaria, of which there is an avenue, was the first to remark 'it would puzzle a monkey', hence the name Monkey Puzzle Tree. 1J:elissick - Feock near Truro is one of the National Trust's most well known Cornish gardens. High above a saltwater inlet formed by the Fal it offers wonderful views for those who turn away for a moment from the collection of flowers which bloom all summer long. Also in the garden are a collection of species hydrangea.

Poldowrian Garden, Helston

Scorrier House, Redruth

St. Michael's Mount Garden

Trebah Garden - Falmouth

Tregothnan Botanic Garden, Truro

Tregrehan Gardens, St Austell

Tregullow Garden, Redruth

Trelowarren, Helston

Trengwainton Garden - near Penzance. Tender species flourishing in the mild climate of the sheltered gardens. Georgian walled gardens with raised beds housing tender plants. A stream garden planted along the drive has meconopsis, primulas and other bog plants. Interest all year round and stunning views over Mounts Bay.

Trereife, Penzance

Trerice House & Gardens, Newquay

Tresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Trevarno Estate & Gardens, Helston

TreWidden - Buryas Bridge, Penzance. Camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons and magnolias, some of the latter are champions, plus tree ferns, lots of delightful walk through woodland dotted with rare trees and shrubbery. A new walled garden has been added. Trewidden gardens can be found on the road to Lands End.

Trewithen Garden - Grampound Road, near Truro. Much revived in 1904, the gardens had been planted Over the preceding two centuries by the Johnstone family.

In the FIrst World War the owners were ordered to fell 300 beech trees but this gave the opportunity to create a glade which still stretches for over 200 yards in front of the house. 1he gardens contain rare Asiatic species and camellias are very much of a forte including Camellia Donation from which all others in the world have been taken.

Trewoofe House Gardens, Penzance