Top local gardens join forces

Two of the most beautiful and interesting gardens in Mid Wales are joining forces to attract coach parties and gardening clubs to the region.

 

Gregynog Hall at Tregynon, near Newtown (right) and Glansevern Hall at Berriew (below) have put together a combined admission package that will see coach parties and groups visit both properties and their important gardens. Lunch will be taken at Glansevern Hall followed by afternoon tea at Gregynog Hall.

 

The spectacular Grade 1 listed formal gardens at Gregynog Hall form part of a 750-acre estate. CADW, the Welsh body responsible for preserving historic monuments, describes Gregynog as ‘one of the most important parks and gardens in Powys, dating from at least 1500s.”

 

Before the First World War, 26 gardeners worked at Gregynog, where early concrete fountains and bridges are surrounded by a mass of rhododendrons and azaleas. A magnificent clipped yew hedge and herbaceous borders create a spectacular backdrop to the eye-catching black and white hall.

 

The gardens promise to be a blaze of colour this spring as 20,000 newly planted bulbs and 400 roses come into bloom at various points, including the recesses of the famous yew hedge.

 

Four new colour coded walks have also recently been created, opening up some of the most important and spectacular parts of the estate.

 

Glansevern Hall’s elegant gardens surround a Greek revival house and extend to 25 acres on the banks of the River Severn.

 

Visitors are able to enjoy lakeside walks and a water-garden, a large walled garden, ornamental fountains, a huge Victorian rock garden, the Orangery, the varied follies and sculptures, many unusual trees, a wildflower meadow and ornamental shelters.

 

To support the upkeep of Gregynog, visitors will be charged £3 for admission to the formal gardens from April 15 this year. An annual membership scheme costs £15 per individual and £25 for a family. Details are available from Gregynog on 01686 650224.