As a gardener, I'm always searching for paradise but on a trip to Cornwall, I discovered Eden, says JAYNE BENNETT.

Wiping the snow off my windscreen on a cold February morning, I did start to doubt my sanity.

Was it indeed madness to spend my precious time off in Cornwall, when I could have ventured to warmer climes, taking advantage of the super-cheap flights and internet deals? But my fears melted away with the snow, as the miles flew past. As I arrived at my hotel, the magnificent Trenython Manor, near Fowey, there was not a hint of snow in sight. This area of Cornwall has its own micro-climate - it's an average three degrees warmer than elsewhere in the country - which is why it has such amazing gardens.

The exquisitely refurbished manor stands in 25 acres of immaculate, wooded parkland. Commissioned in the 1800s by the great Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi, the house has recently been reincarnated as a haven of indulgence.

A magnificent oak staircase leads you to one of the 24 luxurious bedrooms, many with breathtaking views over St Austell bay.

For dedicated foodies, head chef Alan Ward prepares delightful cuisine from the finest local produce to cater for every taste.

However, tempting the hotel and its spa facilities, the real purpose of my trip was to visit three of the most amazing gardens Cornwall has to offer, all just a short drive from Trenython.

I went with an open mind about the Eden Project, which caused such controversy in the 1990s. As the vintage coach I was travelling in rose over the summit of a hill and I caught my first glimpse of the enormous biomes, I knew that this was going to be mind-blowing. Construction work continues at the project, but the terraces which surround the 'living theatre of plants and people' have now matured into a beautiful landscape. This spring, Eden plays host to Bulb Mania, in which one million daffodil, tulip and other spring bulbs have already been planted. In April (3-18), Eden will be going Cocoa Loco for its festival of chocolate.

For those not at the peak of physical fitness (such as myself!), it is quite a challenge to deal with the tropical temperatures and steep paths of the Humid Tropic Biome - the world's largest greenhouse - so it was almost with a sense of relief that I entered the altogether more Mediterranean climes of the Warm Temperate Biome.

It's a short hop from Eden to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, seat of the Tremayne family for more than 400 years and then reclaimed by nature in a matter of decades. Now it has been brought back to life by a dedicated team, enthusiasts really need a day to appreciate its five walled gardens.There's exotic fruit, an Italian garden, grotto, sundial garden, the 30-acre 'lost' garden and the sub-tropical jungle garden, which contains the largest collection of Tasmanian tree ferns in Britain.

On the final morning of my trip, I visited the less well-known Pine Lodge Gardens, which contains more than 6,000 rare plants and shrubs, arboretum and pinetum, all immaculately labelled by the husband and wife team of Ray and Shirley Clemo. This is a plantsmans' garden - and then some.

Early spring is a super time for gardeners to get away, just before the hard work starts at home! And Camellia, Magnolia and Rhododendron all thrive in the Cornwall's climate to provide a burst of colour earlier than elsewhere in the country.