Carn Cobba, Zennor, St Ives
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The site was originally used as a mill for the local area. The garden was initially constructed in the 1950’s and planted. It was then left for a number of years. Later it was reclaimed with a good clear out although some of the original camellias and rhododendrons were still in situ in 2005.
This work was carried out by Burncoose and the owner’s gardener. The planting around the house was carried out in 2006 with a mixture of tamarix, elaeagnus, hydrangeas, olearias, cordylines and agapanthus. These plants have established well and in some cases, too well, as they have required quite heavy pruning to stop them blowing out of the ground!
The lower areas by the stream were mainly planted in 2007 after more clearance work and were thriving until, in March 2009, a freak storm turned the stream into a torrent of water 10ft deep and 20ft wide. This seemed impossible as the site is on the edge of the cliff and 100ft above sea level. In the next valley 2 young people were tragically washed to their death with the ferocity of the water.
The garden around the stream was virtually wiped out with many of the beds being washed away completely together with the with the plants. Many of the rocks, some 2-3 tonnes in weight, were carried out to sea. The force of the water was such that a large 15 tonne block of blue elgin rock was moved over 5 feet along the garden.
The garden was reconstructed by Burncoose in September 2009 when we at last hit a dry spell after a very wet summer. The work involved taking on site a swing shovel across the bog area with much apprehension how far it would sink. We then dug out rocks from the surrounding ground to replace those that had been washed away and rebuilt the banks.
The bottom of the Mill House garden was all rebuilt using block and tackle as it was not possible to access this area with a swing shovel. This area was constructed using concrete as it hoped to renovate the Mill House further in the spring.
Some further replanting work will take place in the spring once the worst of the winter storms have passed.
