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Glendurgan's
history stretches back to 1820 when the valley was purchased by
Alfred Fox.
Over
the next two decades he developed his garden. Many of the old trees
seen today at Glendurgan were planted by Alfred.
Click
here
enjoy a gallery of photographs from Glendurgan Garden.
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In
1833 he developed the famous laurel maze which to this day proves
to be popular with young visitors Glendurgan Garden.
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| The
famous laurel maze |
The
valley is tropical surrounded by palms and ferns which thrive on
the mild, sheltered weather Glendurgan experiences.
As
a result visitors can see a Japanese locquat, weeping Mexican cypress,
a weeping swamp cypress as well as lillies, bluebells and primroses.
The
wooded valley drops quite steeply down to the tiny fishing village
of Durgan with its beach and views of the Helford.
In
the early 1960s the National Trust acquired the garden, but to this
day descendants of Alfred Fox still live in the house. The family
plays an active role in the development of the garden.
Today
Steve Porter leads the team of enthusiastic gardeners in looking
after the beauty of Glendurgan.
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| A
replica of Alfred and Sarah Fox's old school house |
Before
he came to the garden, Steve took part in a National Trust training
programme.
'Careership'
is a practical three-year training programme specifically designed
to develop the expertise required to look after historic gardens,
parks and the countryside.
Each
programme combines the best of both worlds, gaining theory at college
and developing practical skills at a National Trust property.
As
Head Gardener at Glendurgan Steve is also responsible for the running
of the whole site, including the shop and cafe.
On Sunday and Mondays the garden is closed
to the public allowing the family to enjoy the area.
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Glendurgan
Essential Information
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Opening
Times 2004
14 Feb–30 Oct
10:30–5:30
Tu We Th Fr Sa
Open
BH Mons. Closed Good Fri.
Last
admission 1 hr before closing.
Admission
prices:
£4.20, child £2.10.
Family £10.50 (2 adults & 3 children).
Groups £3.60. Reduced rate when arriving by public transport
or cycle.
Click
here for more information
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