Falmouth has a mild maritime climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream enabling many sub-tropical species of plant to flourish. For those interested in horticulture, Falmouth is indeed a continual delight, with almost every garden exhibiting plants or trees of unusual interest. Both Fox Rosehill and Queen Mary Gardens have received the National Green Park Flag Award, with credit for being of great historical and botanical importance for Falmouth and in recognition of environmental protection and enhancement of the Gardens.
These gardens are located off Melvill Road. This peaceful garden is a legacy from the Fox Family who gave part of the garden for public enjoyment at the end of the Second World War. Packet Ship Captains who travelled the globe brought back many exotic plants from Australia, New Zealand and South America which have been successfully introduced to the mild Cornish climate, including Lemon, Banana and Eucalyptus Trees, Bamboos, Agaves and a wide variety of Palms.
Established in 1912 by a generous benefactor, the Honourable Agnes Mary Goldman. Originally known as Kimberley Marshes, the site was once a river mouth which silted up after the development of the shingle bar now known as Gyllyngvase Beach. The gardens were refurbished in 1992, providing a revitalising splash of colour to a seascape background with their high quality summer bedding schemes on display from June to September.
These unique and formal gardens, adjacent to the Princess Pavilion Theatre surround a superb period centre piece -the Victorian Bandstand. The gardens form an excellent backdrop for outdoor events such as band concerts, garden fetes and the annual Falmouth Spring Flower Show and the Pelargonium Show. Notably Falmouth's finest formal gardens, Gyllyngdune offers an excellent display of bedding plants, flower towers and hanging baskets during the summer months. A delightful stroll along Gyllyngdune's grotto walkway leads you to Falmouth's seafront.
These gardens pre-date 1877 and are named after the Earl of Kimberley, who leases the Park to the Borough of Falmouth. The seven acre site is the home to many fine ornamental trees and the flower beds have assisted with the many awards that have been won in the Falmouth Britain in Bloom Competitions. A tree planting programme to help protect the heritage of Falmouth has produced a green oasis to be enjoyed.