Hidden among the rolling hills of the Towy Valley in Carmarthenshire is a magical place. Aberglasney Gardens, believed to date back to medieval times, has featured in TV productions and inspired poets — and it really comes alive at this time of year with autumn colours.
Described as one of the finest gardens in Britain, the 10-acre site of Aberglasney, which also includes a mansion, was recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards for the fourth time this year and is ranked among the top 10% of listings in the world on Tripadvisor. That’s no mean feat for a site that was in ruins, neglected and vandalised when it was rescued by an American benefactor in 1995.
The Aberglasney Restoration Trust bought the then decrepit mansion and gardens with cash donated by Frank Cabot. It opened it to the public in 1999 and restoration work has been ongoing.
At Aberlasney’s heart is the fully restored Elizabethan cloister garden, the only surviving example of its kind in the UK. Then there is the glass covered centre of the restored grade II listed mansion. This area has been transformed into an award winning sub-tropical indoor garden.
The “ninfarium”, as it is known, has plants from around the world growing among the ruins, testament to the work that has been done to bring the site and mansion back to its former glory.
Stepping beyond, visitors are treated to an array of different garden styles from woodland to formal through to the exotic and modern, there is something for every mood and taste and all seasons. The gardens in autumn are glowing with reds and ochres as the leaves fall and the earth turns to another season.
Visitors can also enjoy a series of special autumn events coming up at Aberglasney. It will host the Dragon Bonsai Autumn Show on Saturday and Sunday October 11 and 12. Enthusiasts can get advice to equipment for Bonsai trees from organisers, Dragon Bonsai Club.
There will be a Bonsai Tree Show and indoor and outdoor Bonsai trees for sale, as well as Bonsai tools. There will also be a “clinic” for anyone that has a tree and needs tips.
Visitors can bring along their own Bonsai trees and members of the Dragon Bonsai club will offer advice on care and there will also be opportunities for people to try styling a Bonsai tree. Admission to the event is free but there is the standard garden admission price. There will also be art and craft workshops throughout October.
On October 18 between 10.30am and 1pm local florist, Nia of Pinc florists is running an autumn wreath workshop. No equipment is required as everything will be provided by Nia and participants can take home their creations. The workshop is £50 includig lunch in the Aberglasney tearooms.