0191 2094161

Japanese Garden & Bonsai Nursery, Cornwall

BRIEF HISTORY
Robert Hore has been working with bonsai since 1976: a Cornishman by birth, living in London when he decided to practice the art full-time. Returning to Cornwall in 1983, he began building the bonsai nursery two years later after moving to a former smallholding in the picturesque village of St Mawgan, 1.5 miles from the north coast of Cornwall. Uncultivated for decades, the wild, diverse landscape that Nature had created there was inspirational. A number of old willows and one particular aged oak, shaped by the years in a manner one could only dream of creating, sprang out of this profusion, and the land was sprinkled with natural running water. Above all, the atmosphere of tranquillity provided the perfect setting for the nursery and for the creation of the Japanese Garden. The Bonsai Nursery opened in 1989, followed by the Japanese Garden in 1997.

HORTICULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
A great diversity of plants thrives in this sheltered valley bottom: of these perhaps the most stunning are the Japanese maples with their graceful forms and spectacular colour changes from spring to autumns end. There are approx. 250 named varieties of Acer palmatum, plus others chosen for their forms and coloration. A bamboo grove contains several interesting varieties, including the dramatic, black Phyllostachys nigra and, Phyllostachys aureosulcata with its striking yellow/green variegation. The moss garden, with its soft contours and surprising variety of hue, offers a delightful contrast to the tall vertical form of the bamboo grove and the stark rock-scape of the Zen garden.

Many of the features commonly associated with traditional Japanese gardens are to be found in and around the water garden area, including waterfalls, ponds, bridges, shishi-odoshi, stone lanterns, tsukubai, bonsai and a symbolic Cha-Seki. Azaleas and rhododendrons contrast with dark, sharp-needled pines, glossy leaved camellias, prostrate conifers and elegant fastigiate yew trees, and the interlaced branches of a pair of blossoming cherries, Mount Fuji, form an archway close-by the exit from the garden.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO
St. Mawgan centres around the village green, where summer fayres, cricket & other village events take place. You find the Village Store & Tearooms on one side, the 16thC Falcon Inn close-by, the 13thC Church faces the green, bordered here by the river that runs through the village. Beside the bridge you will find the Craft Shop, and the Japanese Garden is just over the bridge on the left. Or take a stroll in Carnanton woods, entered from the car park behind the village store, and follow the public footpath beside the river.

LOCAL AREA
St. Mawgan nestles in the beautiful Vale of Lanherne, surrounded by woodland and farmland stretching the 1.5 miles to the north coast. Public footpaths provide enjoyable walks from the village to the coast at Mawgan Porth, or go to Watergate Bay, well known for the Extreme Academy and 'Fifteen' the Jamie Oliver restaurant overlooking the 2-mile beach.

PLACES TO STAY
The Falcon Inn offers limited accommodation in the centre of the village, while the Dalswinton is a dog-friendly hotel 2 mins walk from the centre. There are many hotels / B&B situated nearby - check with Newquay Tourist Information.

HOW TO FIND US
Directions by car: (for sat. nav. key in Newquay Airport or TR8 4ET)

A30 >A39 > A3059 following signs to Airport & St. Mawgan.

Japanese Garden Brown & White Road Signs on A3059 and B3276. St. Mawgan village is directly below the Airport.

6 miles east of Newquay: 1.5 miles from the north coast

OPENING TIMES
Open 7 days a week (closed 25 Dec to 1 Jan), 10am to 6pm.Last entry to garden 5pm.

Early close in winter.

ENTRY
Japanese Garden Admission: Adult £4.50, Child £2.00, Group rate for 10+ £3.50 pp.

FOOD & DRINK
Refreshments available in Village Tea-Room & Falcon Inn (with large garden area) 2 mins walk from our entrance.

POSTCODE FOR CAR SAT NAVs
Newquay Airport or TR8 4ET

FRIENDS/VOLUNTEERS
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WEBSITE
www.thebonsainursery.com