A short thirty mile trip from Britain's South Western coastline puts you on a journey of discovery. Soon enough you'll arrive at the exotic island that is Tresco as part of the Isles of Scilly.
Destination Abbey Gardens - Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The Abbey Gardens have become a popular destination for Britain's plant lovers and with good reason. A casual stroll through any part of the garden reveals a wealth of exotic plants from all corners of the globe. The temperate climate allows plants from Australia to the South Americas to thrive recreating the magical colours of the rainbow such is their vibrancy.
The various terraces of the garden lend themselves to various plant groupings. The higher most terrace takes full advantage of the sun and is home to plant-life originating from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Highlights include:
Aloe, Banksia , Callistemon, Cape heaths, Dryandra, Leucadendron and Protea.
Sheltered from the wind, the middle and lower terraced slopes are bursting with colour with an array of exotic plants clamouring for space.
The more protected areas once again contain interesting plant groups that are different to the higher terraces. Special plant attractions inlude:
Aeoniums, Agave, Bird of Paradise and Puya.
The amazing Bird of Paradise is always popular and stunning to look at being pollinated by exotic humming birds having made their long journey from the mountains of Chile.
Each path through the garden terraces reveals plants that create a special kind of wonder; mainly for their variety and eye-popping colours.
Tresco Abbey Gardens History
Augustus Smith arrived at the Isles of Scilly in 1834 as leaseholder and Lord Proprietor of all the islands. He chose to live on the island of Tresco and set down the first foundations for his new home near to the dilapidated St Nicolas Priory.
His house, named Tresco Abbey, was built on an outcrop above the ruins of the old priory. Almost immediately he began his plans for creating what was to become the Tresco Abbey Gardens.
Winds are always a problem on the islands so he began in earnest by protecting his first seedlings with an array of walls to surround the garden.
As time went on the garden gradually developed and grew in size. Many species were introduced and necessary shelter was provided by exotic palms and Cypress trees so that more delicate varieties could prosper.
The Abbey Gardens continue to grow and evolve today some four generation on from Augustus Smith.
Resources:
Information - Abbey Gardens on the island of Tresco with details of entry prices and 5 day holidays.
Garden Furniture - Benches supplied by The Garden furniture Centre Ltd (featuring the Classic Bench and the Malvern).
