Fun and games for all at NT properties

6:35pm Monday 21st July 2008

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If people have ever wondered how the famous maze at Glendurgan gets cut (and more importantly cleared up!) or what the perfect way to prune hydrangeas is - take the family along for one of the weekly workshops running throughout the summer holidays.

Tom Clarke, head gardener of Glendurgan said: "Gardening is one of the nation's favourite pastimes and over 60% of National Trust visitors say it is their main reason for visiting these special places. With this in mind it's great to be able to welcome families to discover the amazing plants we have here, find their way to the middle of the maze, spin round on the Giant's Stride but also learn about how we care for this beautiful garden."

The family workshops will also include some glimpses behind the scenes - including the recently built composting area and Glendurgan's own plant nursery.

Glendurgan was created as a family garden by Alfred and Sarah Fox nearly 200 years ago. Since then it has always had families at its heart and offers a great day out. Families can get lost in the maze, have their photograph taken in the boat-seat', swing round on the Giant's Stride', explore the Helford River on the garden ferry and discover some really strange plants.

Workshops run every Thursday in July and August from 2pm to 3.30pm. There will be different subjects covered each week depending on the garden team's activities and the weather. For further information telephone 01326 250906. The workshops are free, with normal admission prices for entry to the garden.

There is also a special family trail running every day throughout the holidays - the Great Glendurgan Counting Challenge'. Find out some of the garden's vital statistics with this taxing test of numbers. For younger children Glendurgan offers Trusty the Hedgehog's Garden Passport' to help you on your journey of discovery around this magical place.

Meanwhile at the Trust's Trelissick between Falmouth and Truro it will be Wacky Wednesdays' - promising fun, laughter and discovery.

The events start off on Wednesday July 30 with a green day out', when visitors are encouraged to leave the car behind and arrive at this beautiful maritime estate by ferry or other form of public transport. When they have arrived, they can find out how Trelissick has made subtle changes to turn green - and not just the lush growth in the garden.

Trelissick harvests rainwater falling onto the many roofs, gains solar heat from the sun to heat hot water and extracts waste heat from refrigerator compressors to heat the buildings.

Have a go at counting the number of worms in the compost, decorate a jute bag for life', and find out how to an reduce waste in home and garden.

John Gallagher, Trelissick's dedicated Green Champion said: "Reducing environmental impact is something we take seriously in the National Trust, but it's great to be able to get messages across using fun, games and discovery for family members of all ages - and visitors may be able to give us some hints and tips too."

Wednesday's event runs from 11am to 4pm. Further events will be on each Wednesday in August. Themes include magic, teddy bears, woodlands and the classic puppet show - Punch and Judy.

Trelissick is also offering free Hidden Nature' garden trails for families to discover some of the homely habitats and creepy-crawlies living in the wildlife-friendly garden.