Aberglasney Gardens

Beautiful Aberglasney is has become one of the most-talked about gardens in the UK. Nestled on a hillside in the spectacular Tywi Valley countryside, the house and gardens have been magnificently restored after years of neglect.

Its dramatic rescue towards the end of the last century, led to the discovery of some of the most important historical features belonging to a bygone age of gardens, most notably a unique Elizabethan/Jacobean Cloister and rare parapet walk. The magnificent mansion has also been lovingly restored to reveal its 400 year old secrets.

Since Aberglasney opened its doors to the public, the garden has evolved into a beautiful place of historical and horticultural importance. It has earned the well-deserved reputation of housing an extensive range of rare and unusual plants, including Cardiocrinums, Meconopsis, Trilliums, Lilies and unusual trees and shrubs.

The most recent addition is the award winning Ninfarium, a garden based on the gardens of Ninfa near Rome. It is a unique indoor garden built within the central ruins of the mansion and is filled with a wonderful collection of warm temperate plants, including Orchids, Palms, Magnolias and Cycads.

Music & Art Comes to Aberglasney This Summer
Historic Aberglasney Gardens in Carmarthenshire will this summer play host to a series of exciting music events as well as a range of Art and Craft exhibitions.
(read more)...

Homeland actor Damian Lewis will be at the official opening of the revamped Aberglasney Mansion
Homeland star Damian Lewis will be returning to a Carmarthenshire attraction to take part in an official opening.
(read more at thisissouthwales.co.uk)...

National Botanic Garden of Wales

As the first national botanic garden to be built in the UK in 200 years, this is a garden that looks to the future as well as reflecting on the past. These twin themes are summed up by its historic double walled garden, a magnificent revival that is overlooked by the futuristic Great Glasshouse, a teardrop shaped technological wonder that maintains a year-round Mediterranean climate.

The dome, home to an exotic array of plants from around the world, is surrounded by lakes, cascades, woodlands and the longest herbaceous border in Britain.

There’s history here too. The National Botanic Garden of Wales is situated on land whose history as an estate stretches back over 400 years. Today the garden is a hive of activity with a packed programme of events. Attractions include the Water Discovery Centre, the Life-long Learning Centre, the Theatre Botanica, a children’s farm, play area and an apiary garden with bee hives.

There’s so much more to plants than you can ever imagine
The National Botanic Garden of Wales makes its debut at RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2013 with "GET WELL SOON", an Artisan Garden, designed by Maggie Hughes and Kati Crome.
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Norwood Gardens

Tucked away on the sunny south side of the Teifi Valley, Norwood is an idyllic three-acre piece of paradise where you can take a stroll, enjoy a snack in the tea rooms and admire the beauty of an intimate Carmarthenshire garden.

You get seven gardens for the price of one here. Seven individually themed gardens are set along the central path, known as the Long Walk. Look out for a number of intriguing sculptures along the way.

The little gardens have their own names and are separated from each other by borders and areas of mixed plants. The whole area is generously planted with trees.

There are plenty of places to stop, sit down and relax. Every seat has a unique view, sometimes intimate, sometimes expansive, but always interesting. The whole feel of this place is calm, relaxed and personal.

Hywel Dda Gardens

Hywel Dda's lovely garden and heritage centre celebrate the achievements of Hywel Dda, King of all Wales in the 10th Century.

The garden commemorates Hywl Dda and his legal code which was written down and remained effective until the Act of Union in 1536.

Extracts from the laws are carved on slate slabs in the centre garden. Some are surprisingly enlightened such as the one about the rights of women. Another reminds you there are three things you are allowed to pick up from the road - a horseshoe, a nail and a penny.

The garden consists of six small interconnecting gardens, each representing separate divisions of the law, and having its own symbolic tree. The centre is an ideal venue for meetings, educational classes, lectures and exhibitions, as well as school and college visits.