Gardeners’ world

11:13am Thursday 24th July 2008

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Many holidaymakers visit the Eden Project on a rainy afternoon or make a stop-off on the long journey back home from a Cornish break.

But this paradise for gardeners and families alike has so much more to offer than a rushed couple of hours will allow you to discover.

Situated in a 15-hectare former china clay pit three miles from St Austell, the Eden Project is hidden in the heart of the Cornish countryside and the awesome biomes only come into view as you walk out of the visitors' centre.

The enormous perspex domes, said to be the largest in the world, house over a million plants of more than 5,000 species from across the globe. The first emulates a tropical environment with crops from West Africa, Malaysia and tropical South America including bananas, coffee and spices. The second has a warm, temperate, Mediterranean environment with citrus and olive trees plus colourful poppies and lupins.

The many information boards tell the story of mankind's dependence on plants – from the fuel we use to the clothes we wear. But if you're not keen on too much reading you can happily just soak up the atmosphere of the contrasting environments and admire the beautifully maintained, exotic planting.

And you can't say this ‘green’ tourist-magnet doesn't practice what it preaches. From the numerous recycling points to the Fairtrade chocolates and organic cotton clothing in the gift shop, there are reminders of the sustainability message everywhere.

But that's not to say the Eden Project isn't fun. There are children’s play areas, sandpits, storytelling sessions and workshops for all ages. Plus, for the more adventurous, there is a daring zipwire which flies you hundreds of feet above the colourful gardens.

In fact, make sure you leave enough time to properly explore Eden’s outdoor spaces. The tiered gardens separated by meandering paths are jam-packed with beautiful, colourful planting including vegetables which stand proudly next to giant bee and towering robot sculptures.

Plus there is a mechanical theatre which brings plant stories to life and an exhibition and education centre called The Core complete with roof modelled on a sunflower.

After all that exploring, you will find no shortage of places to take the weight off your feet and refuel. There are reasonably-priced cafes and snack bars plus a restaurant – all providing tasty fare which is mostly sourced in Cornwall.

And before you head home it’s worth taking a look in the extensive shop which has gift ideas from all over the world – many with a ‘green’ theme.

So make sure you allow a full day to explore this amazing haven – or you’ll go home disappointed.

For opening hours and admission prices visit www.edenproject.com.