Frequently asked questions
When is the Garden at its best?
Unlike most Cornish gardens which peak in spring, Bonython improves from spring onwards, and by late summer the banks of South African plantings are really giving maximum colour and variety of texture. With so many different areas there is always something exciting.
How accessible are the gardens for wheelchairs?
We provide a separate car park that is wheelchair friendly and will take you into the main parts of the garden following the signs. The majority of the garden is accessible and paved by grit, grass or wood chip. With the lovely Cornish weather we do get rain from time to time which can make some of gentle slopes and terrain slippery. But there is around 20 acres of garden so there is plenty to see despite the weather!
How long should we allow for a visit?
About two hours will let you wander through most parts of the garden and enjoy refreshments.
Who are the dogs in the photographs?
Tula and Tara are Bonythons resident dogs. They love to come and say hello to all the visitors especially those that have purchased our homemade cake!!
When were the gardens established?
The walled garden dates back to the late eighteenth century but by 1998 nothing remained of the original plantings or layout. Extensively remodelled and replanted over the last ten years, the gardens now meander around the Manor house, making a delightful and varied whole, surrounded by ancient shelter belts that were supplemented by nearly 20,000 new trees planted in the last decade.
Where does the name originate from?
There are various explanations. the most likely being that it is derived from the Cornish bos and ython meaning ’place of gorse’. Gorse is still prolific, especially on nearby Goonhilly Downs.
Who took the photographs on your website?
They were mostly taken by Sue Nathan, with particular thanks to Clive Nichols, Max Noble and Artur Rybicki.
Why do the gardens look so established when only planted recently?
Bonython sits on a confluence of good soils with a mixture of deep loams, hornblende schist and granite and serpentine outcrops on the southernmost peninsula of the UK. The moist warm air is great for growth!
Who are the owners?
The Manor dates from 1780 but it is since 1999 when Mr and Mrs Nathan took over the estate that the transformation of the gardens and property really began. Mrs Nathan is South African and much of the garden has an African theme in its planting.
Are there more lovely gardens like your in Cornwall?
The Great Gardens of Cornwall are a group of 12 spectacular gardens in Cornwall which are very honoured to be part of. So after visiting Bonython why not take a trip to the other 11 beautiful gardens by clicking the button below to find out more.