Plant and garden highlights

May highlights

Rainforest Biome

Turmeric, Curcuma longa

Who would think that this unassuming clump of long green leaves could be so versatile? The bright orange roots are dried and ground to make the staple of most curries, but in India the plant also has ceremonial, medicinal and cosmetic uses.

Outdoor Biome

Dicentra ‘Queen of Hearts’

Beautiful rose pink bleeding hearts, hanging in long dainty clusters amongst delicate foliage.

Mediterranean Biome

Namaqualand daisies

The plains of Namaqualand (which literally means ‘No Water Land) in South Africa explode with colour in springtime when the rains come. 

Seasonal highlights in our outdoor gardens 

Almost 2,000 different types of seasonal plants grow in our outdoor gardens, which span 13 hectares (that's 30 football pitches). There's always something interesting to see all year round!

Spring

• Daffodils, a traditional Cornish crop, dominate displays in March.
• Crocuses and spring flowering shrubs burst into colour.
• A ribbon of grape hyacinths traces a blue path on the grass roof between the Biomes.
• From April there is a finale of English wild flowers including bluebells, campions and violets.

Summer

• Herbaceous borders beside The Core building look their best in early summer.
• Wild flowers, roses, dahlias, sweet peas and day lilies take off from mid-June.
• Swathes of lavender begin to flower in mid-July.
• In August wild flowers lead you down the Zig Zag Path to the spectacular white borders lining the Grand Staircase.

Autumn

• It's harvest time across the site, with displays of fruit and vegetables. Find out about our Harvest Festival.
• Check our events calendar for seasonal demonstrations like apple pressing.
• Look out for Halloween-themed children's activities in our arena. 

Winter

• Anemones provide a splash of welcome colour.
• Hanging baskets drip with winter vegetables.
• As dusk falls, the gardens transform into a sparkling winter wonderland, our trees laden with twinkling lights.