Where else can you discover so many gardens with history dating back to the Iron Age? As long ago as the early 19th century Cornish gardeners were area of the Victorian plant hunters who collected exotic plants and seeds from all over the world got this.

That provides us what we've today: over 60 fabulous gardens to explore with lush vegetation and sub-tropical theatres of colour overflowing with exciting, rare and beautiful plants. Cornwall's gardens are present in our magnificent Castles, Manor Houses, grand Farm Estates, Mill Houses, sheltered valleys, high on blustery moorland and nestled in woodland and seaside gardens which meet up with the turquoise hues of the water's edge.

Contemporary is a contemporary style that wants to reflect the surrounding but in addition make use of a wide range of plant material. Form and texture of foliage are as important as flowers. Hard landscaping is woven into geometrical shaped buildings; that flow into the wider landscape. Plants are used as focal points to highlight the architectural forms.

Cottage was a late nineteenth-century ideal to come back to the simple cottages of the country. They were planted with hardy bulbs, flowers, fruit bushes and herbs and vegetables. They were geometric, colours were harmonised and luxurious as plants grew well as they certainly were heavily manured regularly.

Mediterranean isn't limited by one particular area but are defined according to hot summers and low rainfall. They encompass entertaining areas, shade, good views and dramatic shadows. Hot colourful plants are used and lots of lush green foliage plants to make a cool atmosphere. Plants must be drought tolerant. Evergreen plants are popular because they cast shade on hot days. Walls are white washed to reflect sunlight, pergolas built to create shade and use terracotta pots. There's often a water feature and water provides cooling vibes.

Japanese gardens encompasses religion and Japan's cultural history. Japanese gardens are extremely symbolic the symbols relate with nature. Plants are 'tamed' and there is an increased exposure of evergreen trees and shrubs. They're very controlled and often minimalist. True Japanese gardens are contemplative a place of meditation and great calm.