Bosvathick started life as a small farm hamlet on a plateau protected by a ridge from bad weather to the south west. Here were two farms, each with buildings and a central yard between them. The bigger of the two houses became Bosvathick House. Although there was work done to the gardens and drive, we have few records of any changes before 1868. In 1880 it was decided to reorganise the garden and change the route of the drive. This work resulted in the defining of the present garden.
Like many other Cornish gardens, Bosvathick has magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas and many other plant specimens, but because the family worried about wind and privacy, banks of laurel were developed to shelter the house and shrubs and plants. Fear of wind and pruning ensured the garden became completely overgrown. It is only now in this generation that the gardens are being claimed back from the overgrowth and areas are refound, re-established and old finds lovingly restored. Bosvathick's garden is a work in progress where old shrubs are given more light and space, sometimes even a new location and where masses of summer flowering perennials fill the newly created borders. In 2013 we designated a neglected field to become the new orchard and the 34 mostly southwest apple varieties should start producing in 2017, possibly earlier. We also have cleared around our 3/4 acre lake, now visible from the drive and it is yearly visited by a pair of Canada geese who have raised their goslings successfully in three consecutive years. We also have a newly constructed children's maze and for summer glory the garden now features over 30 different rose varieties. Bosvathick is truly a garden of the past and a garden of today. For more information on what's out when in our garden and for the garden map, please click here The gardens are open for four days in April (9th, 13th, 27th and 30th) and four days in May (7th, 11th, 21st and 25th) between 11am and 4pm
Price: £4.00 pp, children under 12 free We have hot and cold drinks available and something for the children too, as well as a small selection of home made cakes. We are at present unable to cater for lunches.
Several members of the family get around everywhere with their young children and babies in all terrain pushchairs, even though the fields around the lake are perhaps more suitable with babies in carriers or backpacks.
People with walking difficulties will be able to see many parts of the garden; our 95 year old granny managed to get around everywhere with her walking stick. But please do take care as there are steps and uneven ground. Unfortunately for people in wheelchairs the garden will be difficult to access as there are steps, uneven paths, lawns and sloping fields. At present a visit would not be recommended. Dogs are more than welcome but will have to remain on a lead at all times throughout the garden and in the fields. We have a lot of birdlife in the garden including pheasants and guinea fowl. We also have plenty of less loved but accepted grey squirrels and rabbits, and around the lake area breeding duck, moorhen, geese and grebe. Occassionaly we have cows in the fields as well. Thank you for your consideration.
A designated parking area is situated at the top of the drive - please follow signs. There is a lavatory for garden visitors but currently we do not have a changing area for babies. Also there are presently no facilities for disabled guests.
For the children there is plenty of space and you are more than welcome to bring a ball or a kite. We also have a slide. |