On Tuesday 31st July the club went on an all-day coach trip to Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens outside Aberystwyth. These quirky gardens, owned by Gay Acres, who gave us a talk last year gave was shortlisted for the Welsh Garden of the Year 2016 in Wales on Line, and runner-up in the Gardener's World competition, "Gardening in difficult places".
Fourteen of us plus one child took off at 11am and arrived back around five. It made a great day out complete with a lunchtime picnic and tea and cakes later in the afternoon. We spent all day wandering around this three-acre garden which. despite being 1000 feet up in the Cambrians, has something for everyone, including a treasure hunt for the kids. There is a huge range of plants, especially shrubs,
trees and a spectacular lily pond. It manages to combine sculpture park, water gardens, wildlife garden and a strong musical element, too with instruments everyone could have a go at turning up everywhere. Inspiring, colourful and full of mad surprises, there are a number of themed areas, including the
Mediterranean garden, cottage garden, the woodland, an oriental space, and a memorial garden. 
The built areas include a hermit's cave, a temple, a willow den, a gazebo, a jungle with African-style carvings and a jungle hut, as well as a lot of tucked-away spots where one can find peace and tranquillity. I particularly loved their stone circle, which is on the very edge of their land, only a mile or so from an ancient well.We kept discovering fantasy spots all over the garden for children and those who are children at heart.
Thanks to Gay and Jim Acres for letting us have such a lovely time at their garden.
Thanks to Gay and Jim Acres for letting us have such a lovely time at their garden.
All photos curtesy of Jane Cain.
