Carmarthenshire is known as, ‘The Garden of Wales’.
National Botanic Garden One of our absolute favourites and only 5 minutes up the road. This was a millennium project garden restoration from parkland dating back 400 years. There is plenty to see and special events and courses are advertised on their website. The stunning domed glass house is a Normal Foster design and great if there is a shower. Make sure you walk down to the lakes as there are beautiful views. The gardens have recently secured funding to extend the renovation of the lakes so watch the space. National Botanic Garden of Wales
Opening hours: 10 – 6 April – September and 10 – 4.30 October – March
Location: SA32 8HN How to get there: From the property turn right out of the drive, then left at the end of the road. Continue on this road to Porthyrhyd and turn right at the T junction. Continue to the roundabout and the gardens are the third turning on the roundabout.
Aberglasney House and Garden
Spectacularly set in the beautiful Tywi valley of Carmarthenshire it features one of the finest gardens in Wales.
Open every day except Christmas Day. April to September 10.00 – 18.00 (last entry 5pm) October to March 10:30 – 16.00
Location: Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthenshire, SA32 8QH
How to get there: It is about 10 miles from here. Take the A48 to Cross Hands, then take the first exit A476 to Llandeilo. Aberglasney is signposted on the left about half way between Cross Hands and Llandeilo.
Hywel Dda
Garden and Interpretive Centre Whitland – the only garden in Europe dedicated to the law. The garden is divided in to 6 smaller gardens, each depicting a different area of law. Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), was a King of Deheubarth, and eventually ruled most of Wales and is linked with the codification of Welsh Law which were just and good. Lots of information about this amazingly forward thinking ruler Hywel Dda
Opening Times
Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 am – 1.30pm and 2pm – 5pm during the Summer months.
Open Bank Holidays
Pre-arranged guided tours are welcomed throughout the year. Coach parties by appointment only. Charge made for guided tour. Facilities for people with disabilities.
The National Garden Scheme has 30 gardens in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. Some are open all year and some only of specific dates. There are full details on the link, I have eaten very good cake of the homemade variety in the ones I have visited and had some very interesting horticultural conversations too. Oh and possibly a bit of plant buying.