Succulents thrive among the stones of the ruined 9th-century abbey at the heart of the gardens. The shelterbelt of high hedges and trees, mainly Monterey cypress and Monterey pine, keep out the sea gales. ©Clive Nichols Garden Pictures

A warm reception awaits visitors to Tresco Abbey Garden — the home of Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith — where the year-round temperate climate has created an extraordinarily colourful garden–even in winter. Tiffany Daneff reports, with photography by Clive Nichols.

A warm reception awaits visitors to Tresco Abbey Garden — the home of Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith — where the year-round temperate climate has created an extraordinarily colourful garden–even in winter. Tiffany Daneff reports, with photography by Clive Nichols.