Take a walk around the National Trust's Trelissick Garden near Truro.

Enjoy a gallery of pictures and discover more about the work that goes on from Head Gardener Barry Champion.

Trelissick Garden is surrounded by miles of woodland walks and stunning views of the Carrick Roads and the River Fal.

Photinia at Trelissick

The garden remains loyal to the Cornish traditions of growing Rhododendrons and Camelias, while branching out into more exotic plants too.

It is the only place in Cornwall where you can see complete collections of the Photinia and Azara families.

Trelissick Garden is split into two main parts, separated by a bridge over the road down to the King Harry Ferry.

'The Main Lawn' features several different varieties of Rhododendron, Camellia, Magnolia and a large collection of Hydrangeas.

Rhododendron Macabeanum X Sino - Grande

For 25 years Barry Champion has worked at Trelissick. He heads a small but dedicated team of gardeners including two trainees from France and Japan on the National Trust's Careership programme.

"Over the 25 years I have been here, we've taken a far more responsible attitude towards conservation," explains Barry.

"We do not use insecticides or fungicides in our garden. It's important to us that we get the balance right with nature."

There are several bird boxes around Trelissick ensuring several species of birds can be seen.

The Fal

The number of Thrushes maybe declining in this country but Trelissick always has plenty on view, along with waders who come in from the sea.

"We put piles of logs, sand, woodchip and ponds in the garden to encourage wildlife," says Barry.

Walking through 'The Dell' with its primroses and daffodils, you end up on the old Tennis Courts at Trelissick.

The Fal

There is a breathtaking view of The Carrick Roads from where tennis was played many years ago.

Turn away from the view to see 'Trelissick House'.

When the renowned architect Pevsner toured the country writing his report on all the prominent building, he made the following comment about Trelissick House.

"The most severe neo-classical Greek Mansion in Cornwall."

The Garden is open all year round. You can visit seven days a week until the end of October.

While you can see the old house standing proud it only opens occasionally to the public.

"Groups can book to view the house's amazing Spode and Copeland China Collection at certain times of the year," explains Barry.

Barry and his team at Trelissick recommend you spend two to three hours walking around the gardens viewing the different species of plants and wildlife.

From mid-August, visitors will be able to take a ferry from Falmouth, Truro and St. Mawes using services provided by many of the existing ferry operators, prior to entering as Trust members or paying visitors.

The project is part funded by Objective 1 (with investment from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Further funding for the project is also coming from Cornwall Environment Trust Ltd and Carrick District Council Truro Harbour Authority.