St Michael’s Mount Gardens, Cornwall, UK: Set beneath a dramatic castle on a rocky island, the St. Michael’s Mount Gardens in the far South West of England, provide an almost unique microclimate which supports the growth of tender and exotic plants. Although the garden is relatively frost free, it is very wind swept – any plants you see in these photographs can withstand a real battering from the ocean gales. The garden is at its peak in May and June. This photo shows Details: With its steep, heat retaining granite cliffs beneath the castle walls, a south facing aspect and winter warmth from the Gulf Stream, many sub-tropical plants from the Canary Islands, Mexico and South Africa flourish here – for example: agaves, echiums, aeoniums, the giant flowering Puya Chilensis, palms, etc. Parts of the island have monastic buildings dating back to the 12th century and the medieval priory church next to the castle was re-built in the late 14th century. There are some spectacular coastal views from the steep steps and narrow terraces in this garden. Location: St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HT, England. Access to the tidal island is via a causeway at low tide and by boat at other times from the small coastal town of Marazion in Mounts Bay, near Penzance. UK OS Map reference: SW515298 Links: More details about the gardens are available from both the St Michael’s Mount and National Trust websites. © 2012 ukgardenphotos