About the garden
Owned by
Patricia and Peter Howard
A little paradise lovingly created by owners Tricia and Peter Howard, Hidden Valley Gardens is an award-winning three-acre gem that’s off the beaten tourist trail. Nestled in a hidden valley, this peaceful setting is a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the 26 beds and borders featuring a host of old-fashioned and contemporary plants. There are display rows of daffodils, dahlias, agapanthus, and asters and other interesting plants throughout the season.
As flowers are chosen to encourage insects, you can enjoy watching buzzing bees and dancing butterflies, listen to the birdsong and smell fragrant blooms. The hot border bursts with a mass of colours in summer, with flowers of dark red, claret, terracotta and deep purple, enhanced with tall airy grasses. In a damp area, around the Fairy Well, many Iris ensata and candelabra primrose grow, which have self-seeded in many shades of orange and pink.
The large wildlife pond, bordered by purple loosestrife and yellow flag iris is home to frogs and toads, and you can watch damselflies, dragonflies, and pond skaters. Ferns thrive in Cornwall and we love them at Hidden Valley – there are many unusual forms grown from spores that can be seen throughout the garden. Most plants are labelled and there is an information leaflet available, which takes you on a tour of the garden.
The whole family will find something to enjoy including relaxing with tea or coffee and home-made cakes. Partner Garden of the Year Finalist in 2021. If you’re feeling inspired to create your own hidden garden, make sure to view the impressive plant nursery, where you’ll find traditional and more unusual plant species that are mostly propagated on site and often from seeds in the garden.
Please note: Hidden Valley Gardens is closed for the season and in the process of being sold so please check the Hidden Valley Gardens website for up-to-date information on opening times in 2024.
