STEP INTO SPRING
See nature burst into life in these stunning National Trust gardens
WITH the weather warming up, gardens across Wales will be blooming with colour and fragrance this spring. Whether you want to revel in spring blooms, enjoy the quiet serenity of a shady arboretum, or admire rare species lovingly looked after by expert gardeners, this collection of gardens cared for by National Trust Cymru are perfect places to breathe in the fresh air and take time to notice nature...
PLAS NEWYDD
Sitting on the shores of the Menai Strait, Plas Newydd House and Garden in Anglesey offers panoramic views of the rugged mountains of Snowdonia and the straits.
The garden’s mild conditions allow a wide range of plants to flourish, so there’s a whole host of horticultural treasures to explore. In the Courtyard, lavish salvias and fragrant catmints will be in flower and the peaceful, secluded Rhododendron Garden will be erupting into colour.
In the Arboretum, a canopy of Chilean beeches and aromatic eucalyptus shelter many unusual plants from the southern hemisphere beneath their boughs. And as the weather gets warmer, look out for the magnificent wildflower meadow.
PENRHYN CASTLE
Just a few miles to the east lies Penrhyn Castle and Garden, high on a hill with stunning views over Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. Here, there are dramatic gardens and woodlands to explore. In the 19th Century walled garden, you can find peace and tranquility in precise topiary, careful planting, and the soothing sounds of babbling water fountains.
For a riot of colour, head to the Rhododendron Walk, and if you’re looking for some wilderness you can lose yourself amongst the towering leaves of the Monstrous Gunnera plants that dominate the Bog Garden.
This month and into summer, Penrhyn’s garden team will be supporting ‘No Mow May’, encouraging the garden’s wildlife to thrive. The unfussy lawns are a perfect spot for a picnic where young explorers can run free, with a playground nearby.
POWIS CASTLE
In the grounds of Powis Castle and Garden in Mid Wales lies a garden steeped in history. The Italianate terraces, blasted from the solid rock, are considered one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century terraced garden in Britain and offer broad views of the garden and out across the Severn Valley.
The 30-foot-high, cloud-like yew trees are carefully trimmed each year by a team of dedicated gardeners. They spill over the terraces, sheltering the garden brimming with statues and truly lavish borders.
This month, as spring edges towards summer, big and blousy rhododendrons come to life in the Wilderness – the formal woodland
– and the 300-year-old wisteria drapes its pea-like flowers over the Aviary Terrace.
Growing to around half a metre high, this climber has charmed Powis’ visitors for gener
ations. TREDEGAR HOUSE
Nestled within the parklands of Tredegar House in Newport, South Wales, are three of the most important 18th Century walled gardens in Wales. Many of the paths in the formal gardens are accessible.
The largest garden is the wild Orchard Garden, with its secretive paths, hidden glasshouses, and glimpses of old pipes from long-gone hothouses, which once housed the tropical fruits that the Lords Tredegar delighted in.
Today, the Orchard Garden represents a fruitful partnership; for more than 20 years this garden has been managed alongside Growing Space – a registered mental health charity in Newport.
The Cedar Garden, named for the 250-year-old Cedar of Lebanon which stands within its walls, is the perfect spot for a spring picnic while lounging in the warmth of the early summer sun. The third and smallest garden is the Orangery Garden, meticulously maintained to reflect its elegance from years ago.
COLBY WOODLAND GARDEN
Today, Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire offers a serene setting for wildlife, walks and floral wows.
But it wasn’t always a place for peace and quiet. The centuries-old garden was a working coalfield in the 1790s; if you look closely, you might spot the capped-off mine shafts and the old mine track leading down to the beach. Its hidden valley garden is home to the second tallest Japanese Redwood in the UK, which stands at a mighty 134 feet tall. There is seating around the garden and woodland trails, while streams and ponds offer the perfect place for children to explore and play. When coming to Colby, remember to bring your binoculars!