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Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Native Plant

Gorse (Ulex europaeus)

Gorse is a powerful symbol of Cornish protection, luck, and enduring love. Thriving in sunny, poor coastal soils, it brings vibrant blooms, wildlife shelter, and a living link to folklore, May Day customs, and Cornwall’s rugged spirit.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum species)
Plant Profiles

Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum species)

Sphagnum moss is a symbol of healing, resilience, and ecological heritage in Cornwall. Thriving in moist, acidic soils, it brings beauty and biodiversity to coastal gardens while connecting gardeners to a legacy of folklore, medicine, and conservation.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Heather (Calluna vulgaris & Erica species)
Plant Profiles

Heather (Calluna vulgaris & Erica species)

Heather is a symbol of luck, endurance, and wild beauty in Cornish and British folklore. Thriving in sunny, well-drained coastal gardens, it brings vibrant color, supports pollinators, and connects gardeners to centuries of cultural and natural heritage.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)
Plant Profiles

Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

Steeped in folklore and tradition, wild garlic symbolizes protection, vitality, and spring renewal. Thriving in shady, moist coastal gardens, it rewards with aromatic leaves and a timeless link to Cornwall’s foraging heritage and ancient woodlands.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Native Plant

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Steeped in folklore and a symbol of humility and enchantment, bluebells bring springtime beauty and wildlife value to coastal gardens. Thriving in moist, shaded spots, they offer a living link to Cornwall’s natural and cultural heritage.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum)
Wildflowers

Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum)

Lesser centaury—once prized in Cornish folk medicine as a cleansing herb—thrives in sunny, poor soils. With its delicate pink blooms, it brings beauty and pollinator value to coastal gardens while echoing a heritage of healing and resilience.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)
Plant Profiles

Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)

A symbol of happiness, purity, and Cornish tradition, lily-of-the-valley thrives in moist, shady coastal gardens. Worn for Helston Flora Day and beloved in folklore, it brings fragrant blooms—and a touch of heritage—to sheltered spots.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus)
Wildflowers

Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus)

A humble wildflower of verges and meadows, red bartsia supports rare bees and enriches grassland life. Thriving in sun and poor soils, it’s a low-maintenance choice for coastal gardens—connecting nature, pollinators, and Britain’s wildflower heritage.
By Editorial Team • 1 min read
Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Wildflowers

Common Daisy (Bellis perennis)

The common daisy—a symbol of joy, innocence, and resilience—brightens meadows and coastal gardens. Loved in folklore and healing, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soils, rewarding gardeners with cheerful blooms and a link to British tradition.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Plant Profiles

Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Great mullein stands tall in folklore and herbal tradition—once used for healing, magic, and even torches. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it thrives in coastal gardens with minimal care, offering striking blooms and a symbol of resilience.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
Wildflowers

Ground-ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

A folklore-rich plant of healing and protection, Ground-ivy was used in Cornish traditions, from spring garlands to herbal ales. Thriving in coastal gardens as a ground cover, it supports wildlife and brings a touch of folk history to natural spaces.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read
Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata)
Wildflowers

Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata)

A symbol of sunshine and resilience, Yellow-wort thrives in poor coastal soils with bright blooms and a long flowering season. Linked to good fortune in folklore, it supports pollinators and brings wild beauty to naturalistic garden settings.
By Editorial Team • 2 min read

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The Cornish Garden

A modern gardening blog rooted in Cornwall, sharing seasonal tips, plant profiles, patch plans, and stories from wild and edible gardens.

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