Tremenheere Head Gardener reveals sub-tropical secrets of the Western Cape

The Cornwall Garden Society’s (CGS) November lectures will be delivered by Alex Goodyear who is Head Gardener at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, the renowned horticultural attraction and one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, which provides an exotic backdrop to sculptures by prestigious artists and is situated in a stunning sheltered valley with a spectacular view of St Michael’s Mount.

After studying horticulture for four years as an apprentice at Duchy College, Rosewarne, Alex relocated to the Isles of Scilly to train on the scholarship programme at Tresco Abbey Gardens.

This position fostered a love of sub-tropical flora and led to a three-month bursary internship at Babylonstoren in South Africa.

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest working farms in the winelands region and its estate is positioned around a magnificent garden, renowned for its diverse botanical collections of vibrant clivias, hardy evergreen cycads, a succulent house with arid-adapted plants and acres of fine produce, which The Times has described as ‘the Versailles of vegetable gardens’.

It is also the mothership of The Newt in Somerset, which shares Babylonstoren’s imaginative approach to hospitality.

Alex’s lectures will recap on his incredible experience in the Western Cape, looking closely at the many gardens he visited and at the botanical highlights he encountered whilst exploring this bio-diverse hotspot.

Gardens and Plants of the Western Cape will be Alex’s subject on Tuesday 12^th November at 7.30pm at The Alverton in Truro and on Wednesday 13^th November at 2.30pm at St Mellion International Resort in Saltash.

These lectures are free for CGS members. Non-members are welcome to attend to find out more about the Society and donations are gratefully received.

To become a member of the CGS, please visit www.cornwallgardensociety.org.uk/join/