Welcome to the Wild.
There are six different words for 'green' in Welsh and it needs every one of
them! South West Wales is a region rich in gorgeous green spaces, from man-made
masterpieces like The National Botanic Garden of Wales to the spectacular,
natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
The attractions of One Big Garden are many and varied. On this website you will
find details of some of the highlights, and suggestions for the best way to
enjoy them.
So step into South West Wales and discover One Big Garden for yourself.
Aberglasney
Travel back to the 16th century as you wander around Aberglasney's Cloister
Garden. See for yourself why this glorious garden is one of the UK's most
exciting restoration projects and why its mysterious history has captured the
imagination of so many. The ten acres of garden contain six different garden
spaces including three walled gardens. They are renowned for their
horticultural quality, particularly the range of rare and unusual plants. At
the gardens' heart are an Elizabethan/Jacobean cloister and parapet walk - a
unique reminder of garden architecture previously known only from the history
books.
Clyne Gardens
In Clyne Gardens, you will find 50 acres of picturesque woodland gardens, a wild
flower meadow, viewing tower and bog garden, complete with historic
architectural features. There are also internationally acclaimed collections of
rhododendrons, enkianthus and pieris with many of the species being unique to
Clyne. You'll also find a Bluebell Wood and several National plant collections.
It's well worth paying a visit in May, as the gardens are a riot of colour for
'Clyne in Bloom', a festival that has become a place of pilgrimage for plant
lovers the world over.
Colby Woodland Garden
Located in a tranquil and secluded valley, this eight-acre informal woodland
garden was created in the early 20th century. The extensive collection of
rhododendrons and azaleas is one of the finest in Wales and the attractive
walled garden features a gothic style gazebo. Whilst you're there, you'll also
be able to take in magnificent views of the Pembrokeshire Coast and Carmarthen
Bay and take a themed walk on a sculptural trail depicting creatures found in
the garden. And in spring and autumn you'll be able to enjoy the rich carpet of
bluebells and hydrangeas in the woods.
Margam Country Park
Encompassing over 850 acres, Margam Country Park offers the opportunity to
explore a fascinating variety of historic gardens, to trace a past which
stretches from the Iron Age to the Victorian era, 12th century
monastic ruins and a deer park. The gardens are at a particularly exciting
stage in their restoration and offer a view of horticultural history from Tudor
times to the present day. The Orangery gardens have a unique collection of
pre-1914 fuchsia cultivars, while the 19th century gardens are home to an
impressive collection of trees and shrubs.
Picton Castle & Woodland Gardens
This 13th century Norman castle, which was later converted into a grand country
house, is notable for its ornate 18th century interiors complete and original
medieval undercroft, or crypt. Surrounding the castle are 40 acres of
magnificent gardens which include woodland and the Walled Garden where you'll
find an extensive collection of culinary and medicinal herbs which are labelled
with their herbal remedies. There is also a recently planted maze, shop,
restaurant, art gallery, picnic area and visitors will be able to purchase
plants which are sold in the castle courtyard.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
The coastline of Pembrokeshire, is so spectacular that the National Park
encompasses the entire coastal strip, the only one of its type in Britain. So
as you pass through, you'll be able to enjoy its stunning landscapes,
attractions and off-shore islands. At Saundersfoot, the coastal path passes
through a series of tunnels from a long-gone narrow gauge railway. Tenby has a
picturesque harbour, three beaches, excellent shops and cafes. St Govan's
Chapel is a good place to see the cliff top scenery and can be combined with a
visit to nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds.
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Recently celebrating it's 5th birthday, this is the first national
botanic garden of the new millennium and already the most visited garden in
Wales. Created within a beautiful 568 acre Regency park, it combines 200
year-old historical features with spectacular modern architecture and
landscaping and a collection of some 100,000 different plants, many rare and
endangered. The elegant Great Glasshouse is the only place in the world you can
visit the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, Chile and California on the
same day. You can also see Europe's longest herbaceous border, the
award-winning Japanese gardens, enchanting water features and a variety of
exhibitions.