Page 60 - ALG Issue 1 2019

Wales
National Botanical Gardens of Wales
Something a little different from me this time. I am really privileged to be a member of the Gardens and excited to be able to share a little bit with you, the readers.
The National Botanical Gardens were established on the 24th May 2000 and opened by HRH Prince Charles. The gardens are a blend of old and new. The old dates back to the 17th century where the powerful Middleton family erected a mansion on their land. Today, the gardens cover
568 acres, the lakes, farmland, butterfly house and some of the best plants you would find anywhere. The garden has the biggest single span glasshouse in the world (yes that’s correct), better known as the Great Glasshouse. This wonderful structure houses some of the most endangered plants on the planet which come from six areas of the world: California, the Canary Islands, Australia, Chile and South Africa. I could really just write and write about this wonderful place but I need to get back on track, hopefully sharing what the gardens can offer you with information, training and support to improve garden skills.
As members and living close to the gardens, we try to visit at least three times a month. Every day, week, and month
has something different to see. It’s really spectacular 365 days a year. The vegetable garden is particularly interesting to me.
The veg plots include soft fruits along with top fruits. The harvest from the Gardens supply the three restaurants and cafe within the grounds. The Gardens rely heavily on
volunteers, and looking at the high standards I kind of get the impression that there is a first-class workforce.
Whenever we visit, we try and plan what we’re going to see, as you could never get around the 568 acres in a day. Late autumn
is a wonderful time, with the gardens taking on a very tranquil form - getting ready to rest for the next few months. We love walking through the farmland and woodland often finding some beautiful fungi. The trees this autumn have been amazing with an array
of fantastic colours. After out walking these places we always end up in The Great Glasshouse where we enjoy a cuppa and a cake. When we were there back in late November there was some really good veg ready to harvest; this included leeks, savoy cabbage, chard, carrot and parsnips.
Getting to the gardens isn’t difficult; it’s on the M4 corridor and you can find it between Swansea and Carmarthen. You can find out so much about the gardens by checking it out online. It’s open every day of the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The garden runs many educational courses and is presently running a five-year project to champion Welsh horticulture, plants for pollinators, protection of wildlife, and the virtues of growing plants for food, health and wellbeing. You can check it out here https://botanicgarden.wales/science/ growing-the-future/ and there will be more news in the next issue of this magazine.
I have added just a few of my favourite pictures I have taken over the last year for your perusal.
Happy Gardening,
Peter Ryan, Wales Mentor
60