Greenway battles for its bluebells

National Trust gardeners at Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of Agatha Christie, are currently engaged in a battle to protect the stunning bluebells in the romantic woodland garden from an aggressive weed threatening their habitat.

Unwelcome and invasive, the three-cornered leek, or three-cornered garlic as it is also known, is similar in appearance to a white Bluebell, but with a distinctive smell and a narrow green stripe down the centre of each petal.

Belinda Smith, Visitor Experience Manager for the National Trust English Riviera explains: "Pretty as they are, the three cornered leeks are a really unwanted guest in our gardens. We are trying to contain them through careful management such as strimming. Although they look very nice at the moment, this is only for a short period of time; after that they revert to their tired looking leaves and strong onion or garlic smell."

The stunning displays of bluebells at both Greenway and Coleton Fishacre this year have been praised by visitors as some of the best in the South West. Belinda continues: "Both gardens are particularly rich in colour at this time of year. As well as the bluebells they also have magnificent displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and primroses, all coming into flower due to the warm weather. It’s like the gardens have been in a giant chiller for a few months – but are now bursting into life, making it  a great time of year to visit."

For more information of how to get to Greenway by "greenways" please call 01803 842382.