Old Mill Herbary

The Old Mill Herbary is located in an idyllic valley setting, with about 5 acres of semi-wild terraced gardens on a steep south-facing bank. There are Mature woodland walks interspersed with several islands and bridges alongside the unspoilt River Camel, now an S.S.S.I and S.A.C.

The Mini arboretum of approximately 1½ acres, is planted with over 40 named and unusual trees, in a small level meadow adjoining Helland Bridge, which is listed in the "Patent Rolls" of 1381. Finished c. 1415, Helland is one of the best medieval bridges in Cornwall, notable for its 4 pointed arches springing from water level, and one rounded arch for the leat.

The Mill was fed by the leat with help from the river in summer. The Leat fed by a natural stream, has been cleaned and restored to feed natural bog and water gardens, passing under the renovated Granite Clapper Bridge. The many semi-wild gardens give home to an enormous variety of named planted displays of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs, unusual and rare species of wild flowers, shrubs, trees and climbers.

A gentle stroll along the terraced pathways of this semi-wild garden brings one to the woodland area, which in Springtime is carpeted with wild daffodils, primroses, wood anemones, bluebells and later, many varieties of ferns.

Heading back towards the House along the lower path by the leat, brings one to the bog and water gardens. Here on a terrace can be found a well-established Chamomile lawn, whose spicy fragrance wafts aloft when trodden underfoot. On the patio is a large pond stocked with a variety of water plants; there are herbs and plants for sale.

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