RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB PROGRAMME 2025

CLWB GARDDIO 

RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

PROGRAMME

2025

Tuesday February 25th  7.30pm

Discussion: “GRAFTING FROM SCRATCH”

I’m sure that we all graft in the garden, but this discussion, led by member Mark Jones, will look at grafting your own fruit trees, especially apple trees, with a quick look at grafting roses too.  This  popular discussion meeting is where we get ‘hands on’ with a gardening subject 

Tuesday March 25th  7.30pm

 SPRING SHOW 

Celebrating the flowers of spring and handicrafts created over the winter months. Schedule available on the blog site and as a hard copy. Bring your exhibits from to the hall from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm, before judging begins. Show starts at 7.30pm.

Wednesday April 30th  7.30pm

TALK: THE NO-DIG METHOD

Stephanie Hafferty’s garden has appeared on Gardener’s World and she also writes for gardening magazines. You can find more about her, and her dedication to no-dig gardening at https://nodighome.com. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY TO WEDNESDAY

Tuesday May 27th from 7.30pm

TALK: “INCREASE THE FLAVOUR OF YOUR HOME GROWN CROPS”

Darren Shipp from Bedwen Plants will talk to us about this interesting subject, with a particular focus on tomato plants, he will bring young plants for sale, and as always we’ll have our raffle and refreshments. 

Tuesday June 24th from 6pm

SUMMER PARTY

We always have a lovely time at our summer party, no matter where we meet. As always, members can bring friends and partners and please bring a dish for the table and a bottle of whatever you’d like to drink. Further details of venue nearer the date.

Tuesday July 29th GARDEN VISIT

Meeting at 3pm at the garden. 

We will be meeting at Dyffryn Fernant Gardens near Fishguard, where Christina Shand, who gave us such an interesting talk last year –  BETWEEN A BOG AND A HARD ROCK –  was inspired to  create her garden. Further details including how to get there nearer the date.

Tuesday August 26th  

Staging  from 3pm Open from 7.30pm

RHYDLEWIS GARDENING CLUB PRODUCE & FLOWER SHOW

Anyone can enter with their flowers, produce, home baking and arts and crafts, but non-members will incur a small charge.After judging the show will be open (free of charge)to the public Auction and raffle. Do come to enjoy the fun and refreshments. Further details and show schedule will be available from the beginning of May. 

Tuesday September 30th, 7.30pm

WORKSHOP  — CHAIR YOGA

Sharon Henshall, who regularly teaches chair yoga and other yoga techniques, will be with us. She will start off by introducing Chair Yoga and explaining its benefit to those who garden regularly. There will then be a 'join-in session’, Sharon taking us for a Chair Yoga session. If you are a bit achy after your gardening, this might be just the thing, but Sharon doesn’t expect everyone to  be able to fully join in; as usual come and enjoy the evening with raffle and refreshments.

Tuesday October 28th, 7.30pm

Ponds building, planting and managing 

A talk by Richard Bramley of Farmyard Nurseries, who says, ‘this talk hopefully smoothes the way to maintaining a healthy well-balanced water garden’.

Tuesday November 25th, 7.30pm

WINTER SOCIAL EVENING

By popular request, we will compete the year with a festive meeting. Wine and nibbles will be provided by the club, but do feel free to bring your own contributions to make this a great evening where we can relax and chat about gardening and anything else! 

Tuesday January 27th 2026 7.30pm

AGM 

Please come along and be an active part of the annual general meeting of your gardening club. The committee is re-elected and any issues about the cub can be discussed. Please bring your subscription fee of £10. New members welcome. Refreshments will be available during the meeting, with time to chat after the business is concluded 

Gardens to Visit this spring and summer in Ceredgion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

 

Looking forward to the summer, many of you like to spend a Sunday at an open gardens; here is the dates for gardens open under the NGS in Ceredigion, Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire. There are a couple of new additions to note.  Hope you enjoy your visits and that the sun shines down on them;

Ceredigion Gardens Open for charity for private group visits National Garden Scheme 2025 

National Garden Scheme 2025 Ceredigion Gardens Open for charity for private group visits

Are you looking for a stunning space you can enjoy with a group of friends, family or where you can have an organised day out with a local club?

We have a choice of eleven beautiful gardens in Ceredigion that open by arrangement. Just contact the garden owner to discuss your requirements and to arrange a date to visit. Some of these and eight other Ceredigion gardens also have Open Days during the year - check here https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk

January – December

Bwlch y Geuffordd Gardens, Bronant, Aberystwyth, SY23 4JD

Mr & Mrs J Acres, 01974 251559, gayacres@aol.com

Magical day out with wow factor for everyone from 2 to 102! Shortlisted Welsh Garden of the Year 2016 & joint runner up Garden of the Year

1st Jan – 19th Dec

Hidden Garden, Farmyard Farm, Llandysul, SA44 4RL

Richard Bramley 01559 363389
A large, serene woodland garden with extensive plantings to complement the existing natural trees and shrubs.

Great care has been taken to give year round interest.

7th April – 27th September

Llanllyr, Talsarn, Lampeter, SA48 8QB

Mrs Loveday Gee & Mr Patrick Gee, 01570 470900,

lgllanllyr@aol.com

Large early 19th century garden renovated by knowledgeable owner, large pool, formal water garden, gravel garden, shrubs & spectacular rose garden

14th April – 31st July

Temple Bar Farm, Sarnau, Llandysul, SA44 6QU

01239 811 079

Interesting garden on a farm. Spring bulbs, bog garden, Auricula Theatre, Foxglove & Tree Lupin Walk, mixed perennial beds. Rare Ancient Cattle of Wales plus an important Iron Age Fort (Cadw), with amazing views

May – September

Tanffordd, Swyddffynnon, Ystrad Meurig, SY25 6AW

Jo Kennaugh & Stuart Bradley, 07872 45182,

stustart53@outlook.com

Wildlife garden set in 5-acre smallholding, large pool, small woodland area, shrub and herbaceous planting, polytunnel, poultry, donkeys and ponies.

1st May – 26th June		Y Felin, Tynygraig, Ystrad Meurig, SY25 6AE 01974 261 428 Garden set within a 14-acre wooded landscape with historic industrial features, inc a former corn mill and pond. Caradog Falls 100ft waterfall can be seen from the garden.
May - August		Penybont, Llanafan, Aberystwyth, SY23 4BJ Norman & Brenda Jones, 01974 261737, tobrenorm@gmail.com An acre of stunning landscape in the Ystwyth Valley, fabulous views & forest walks, pond and azaleas
May - September		Cilbronnau Mansion, Llangoedmor, SA43 2LP 07817 944 593 The 21⁄2 acre garden includes a courtyard cottage garden, Mediterranean and gravel gardens, vegetable plots, lawns, beds and borders. The garden is on three levels, connected by grass slopes.
14th June – 26th July (according to owner availability)		Ffynnon Las, Ffosyffin, Aberaeron, SA46 OHB Liz Roberts, 01545 571687, lizhomerent@hotmail.co.uk Two acres of lawns, mature shrubs and herbaceous planting. Wildflower meadow with native orchids, lake, ponds, waterlilies, aquatics
2nd June – 3rd August		Melindwr Valley Bees, Tynffordd Isaf, Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth, SY23 3NW Vicky Lines, 01970 880534, vickysweetland@googlemail.com Large wildlife garden with low environmental impact. No dig, variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs, ornamental and wildflower areas. Group size max = 10
We also offer talks as well as a gardening-based quiz in aid of the NGS Charities, just get in touch Thank you Shelagh Yeomans shelaghyeo@hotmail.com 07796 285 003

GARDENS OPEN BY ARRANGEMENT – 2025 Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire

Enjoy a special time in a beautiful garden. Whether you are a group of enthusiastic amateur gardeners, a photography club looking for inspiration or entertaining family visitors, just contact the garden owner using the information below to book your visit. Gardens are listed on a calendar timeline. Some gardens may offer teas, please discuss refreshments, and also any disabled access requirements, when booking. Some gardens accept visits by individuals/couples/small groups. Most gardens welcome children (free entry). Some of these gardens also have Open Days. Full details given in individual garden entries at www.ngs.org.uk.

 *NEW*

-BRIDGEND INN, Bridge Street, Llanychaer, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9TB

Mrs Sorrel Arnold, 01348 875648
June- Sept. for groups of up to 12 Adm £4
Recently established and hidden behind pub front, discover a richly planted

Japanese garden with pond and lawn areas. There are water features, raised beds, pergolas and arches. A Variety of acers, wisteria, grasses, clematis, succulents, water lilies and bog plants, azaleas, ferns and much more to explore. An eclectic mix planted with skill and design flair – the dream of a passionate gardener.

*NEW*

-ANNWYN ARBORETUM, Four Seasons Health Club, Nantgaredig, Carmarthenshire, SA32 7NY
Mr William Berry, 01267 590011, enquiries@annwyn.co.uk, www.annwyn.co.uk
01 May- 01 Sept. Adm £5

A 10 acre Arboretum (formerly a 9 hole golf course) planted 40 years ago with an extensive collection of common and unusual trees. These incl. redwoods, southern beeches, limes, handkerchief tree and Magnolia macrophylla. Beautiful views over the Tywi valley with lots of fun things to explore incl. a treasure hunt. Some uneven paths, so good footwear recommended.

PENTRESITE, Rhydargaeau Road, Carmarthenshire, SA32 7AJ

Gayle & Ron Mounsey 07900 432993,

gayle.mounsey@gmail.com

May-Sept Adm £5. Entrance driveway not suitable for coaches. Approx. two-acre garden developed over the last 18 years with extensive lawns, colour filled herbaceous and mixed borders on several levels. A bog garden and magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. There are many unusual trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, with an extensive collection of hydrangeas. This garden is south facing and catches the south westerly winds from the sea. The garden features statuary by James Doran-Webb.

  GROVE OF NARBERTH, Molleston, Narberth, Pembrokeshire, SA67 8BX

01834 860915 events@grovenarberth.co.uk, www.grovenarberth.co.uk
01 Feb-22 Dec Adm £7
The garden is framed by ancient oaks and towering beeches, and from our hillside glade you can enjoy views across the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside to the Preseli Hills. 26 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens, incl. an historic walled garden, kitchen garden, and cut flower garden. Extensive woodland walks through the grounds, which include some steep slopes and undulating paths.

  THE OLD RECTORY, Lampeter Velfry, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8UH

Jane & Stephen Fletcher, 01834 831444, jane_e_fletcher@hotmail.com

01 Mar-22 Sept. Adm £4

Behind a formal front garden is a green hollow of historic charm, wildlife welcoming, with ancient and newly planted trees and shrubs. Spring brings snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells to the woodlands. Later rhododendrons, hydrangeas, acers, roses, daisies and geraniums bring pops of colour to the green backdrop. Approx. 2 acres incl. veg, ponds, and unique garden buildings.

TREFFGARNE HALL, Treffgarne, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 5PJ

Martin & Jackie Batty, 01437 741115,

jmv.batty@gmail.com

Mar-Sept Adm £5.50
Stunning hilltop location with panoramic views: handsome Grade II listed Georgian house (not open) provides formal backdrop to garden of four acres with wide lawns and themed beds. A walled garden, with double rill and pergolas, is planted with a multitude of borderline hardy exotics. Also, large scale sculptures, summer border, meadow patch, gravel garden, heather bed, stumpery, woodland area and new rose garden.

TY’R MAES, Ffarmers, Carmarthenshire, SA19 8JP (please use SA19 8DP with SatNav)
John & Helen Brooks, 01558 650541 johnhelen140@gmail.com Mar-Oct Adm £6

A four-acre garden with splendid views. Herbaceous and shrub beds – formal design, exuberantly informal planting, full of cottage garden favourites and many unusual plants. Arboretum with over 200 types of trees; wildlife and lily ponds; pergola, gazebos, post and rope arcade covered in climbers. Gloriously colourful from early spring till late autumn.

CORNERSTONE HOUSE, Glandwr, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, SA34 OXY
Ruth Swaffield,01994 419683, ruth.swaff@gmail.com
18 May-07 Sept. Adm £4

A rural sloping one acre garden featuring a pond, small sunken garden and a gravel area, patio and seating areas, and view of hills. A path leads through a wisteria pergola and shrubbery to another pergola with hops and climbing roses, leading to a sun house. The garden has many rhododendrons and azaleas. Fruit trees and low hedges separate the fruit cage and vegetable gardens.

DWYNANT, Golden Grove, Carmarthen, SA23 8LT Sian Griffiths, 07502 539737, sian.41@btinternet.com,

www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/31081717

April-Sept. for groups of 5-20 Adm £5
A 3⁄4 acre garden set on a steep slope designed to sit comfortably within a verdant countryside environment with beautiful scenery and tranquil woodland setting. A spring garden with lily pond, selection of plants and shrubs incl. azaleas, rhododendrons, rambling roses set amongst a carpet of bluebells. Seating in appropriate areas to enjoy the panoramic view

SHOALS HOOK FARM, Shoals Hook Lane, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 2XN. Karen & Robert Hordley, 07712 268899, shoalshook@icloud.com.
21 Apr – 15 Sept Mon-Thurs only. For groups up to 14 Adm £5 Approx 6-acre garden on our smallholding. Designed and made by ourselves over 29 yrs. incl. flower borders, veg garden, fruit trees, woodland walk, lake garden and specimen trees. Planted for the different seasons and to encourage wildlife. Many spring bulbs at the start of the year, ending with a late summer prairie style grass garden area.

 

MOELFRYN, Llandeilo Road, Gorslas, Llanelli, SA14 7LU

Elaine&Graeme Halls, 07484 775553, revelainehalls@gmail.com 

Apr- Sept for groups of 2-15 Adm £4

A 1/3 acre eco-friendly garden with herbs, fruit, veg, shrubs, perennials, trees, mini meadow and orchard. Plants to note incl. cranesbills, hydrangeas, clematis and wisteria. We also have cold frames, wormery, hot bin, pond, stumpery and propagation area. Hen keeping and holding advice can be given. Grassy and slate chipping paths lead you on with something to attract and inspire both new and well-seasoned gardeners. Lots of quirky areas and every twist and turn something more. A tranquil, life-affirming and inspiring space.

GELLI UCHAF, Rhydcymerau, Llandeilo, Carms, SA19 7PY

Julian & Fiona Wormald, 01558 685119, thegardenimpressionists@gmail.com

15 Feb –06 July for groups of 10 to 25. Adm £6 Parking limited Complementing a C17 Longhouse and 11-acre smallholding this 11⁄2 acre garden is mainly organic. Trees & shrubs are underplanted with thousands of snowdrops, crocus, cyclamen, daffodils, woodland shrubs, clematis, rambling roses, hydrangeas & autumn flowering perennials. There are several wildflower hay meadows. wildlife ponds, stream and shepherd’s hut to explore beyond the main garden.

*NEW*. LLWYNGARREG, Whitland, Carmarthenshire, SA34 0XH

Paul & Liz O'Neill, 01994 240717 lizpaulfarm@yahoo.co.uk, www.llwyngarreg.co.uk

Feb – Oct. Adm £7

This is the gardens we visited as a club last year; many rarities. Trees and rhododendrons are underplanted with perennials. The sunken garden for tender/exotic gems and gravel terraces with formal pool continues to mature. Springs form a series of linked ponds across the main garden, providing colourful bog gardens. Wildlife ponds, fruit and veg, living willow structures, and quirky creations here and there.

PONT TRECYNNY, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9SR

Wendy Kinver, 01348 873040, wendykinver@icloud.com 26 May-25 Aug for groups 10-30 Adm £5 Parking limited

A diverse garden of 31⁄2 acres. Meander through the meadow planted with native trees, pass the pond and over a bridge which takes you along a path, through an arboretum, orchard, and gravel garden and into the formal garden full of cloud trees, exotic plants and pots, which then leads you to the stream and vegetable garden.

  

COLD COMFORT FARM, Wolfscastle, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5PA Judy&Paul Rumblelow, 07809 560409, judy.rumblelow@gmail.com www.facebook.com/Cold- Comfort-Plants/100042072915115/

May-July for groups up to 50 Adm £5
Five acres of developing wildflower meadow alongside wrap around farm garden and small plant nursery. Perennial beds, showcasing nursery stock, rockery, gravel garden, raised beds, greenhouses, polytunnel and compost. Welcoming garden under development on sloping plot, full of planting ideas for windy and difficult conditions. Outstanding views of the Preseli Mountains.

STABLE COTTAGE, Rhoslanog, Mathry, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5HG Michael & Jane Bayliss, 01348 837712 michaelandjane1954@michaelandjane.plus.com

01 May-13 July. For groups up to 12. Parking limited so car sharing required.
Adm £4 Teas available if booked in advance.
Garden extends to approx. 1/3 of an acre. It is divided into several smaller garden types, with a seaside garden, small orchard and wildlife area, scented

garden, small vegetable/kitchen garden, and two Japanese areas - a stroll garden and courtyard area.

 CAE BACH, Hermon, Glogue, nr Crymych,Pembrokeshire SA36 0DS

Liz &Will North, 01239 831663 elizabethmmnorth@gmail.com 15 June to 20 July for groups of up t0 25 Adm £5
11⁄2 acre newly established garden designed to attract wildlife, particularly

bees and butterflies. Herbaceous borders, ponds, grasses, Japanese garden with rill, rose garden (50 varieties), greenhouse, exotic area, conifer/heather area, wildflower meadow area, vegetable and fruit trees and fruit cage. Most areas wheelchair accessible.

PEN-Y-GARN, Foelgastell, Cefneithin, Carmarthen, SA14 7EU

Mary-Ann Nossent & Mike Wood 07985 077022,

maryann.nossent@ngs.org.uk, www.instagram.com/pen_y_garn

22 Mar-31 July for groups up to 20 Adm £4 Parking limited

11⁄2 acres unusual setting within a former old limestone quarry, the garden is on several levels with slopes and steps. Sympathetically developed to sit within the landscape, there are five distinct areas with cultivated herbaceous borders and lawns: a shady area with woodland planting & wild ponds; no dig kitchen garden; terraced

borders with shrubs and herbaceous planting; no mow lawns and pond. The garden is on several levels with slopes and steps (steep in places). It sits on a bedrock of limestone so has both cultivated and wild flowers that thrive on this soil type.

HOUSE ON STILTS, Rotten Pill Road, Ferryside, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5TN
Paula & Iain Davies 07967 125881, paulapdavies@gmail.com,www.instagram.com/paulapdavies/.
25 May- 22 June for groups of up to 20 Adm £5 Parking nearby. A 1/3 acre garden surrounds a mid-century modern house resembling a bird-hide nestled in a rural estuary setting. A garden designed with anartist’s eye, subtle colour palette and use of form and texture. A mosaic of different habitats for wildlife, from a large pond at the rear to a dry cockle shell garden to the front. An emphasis on promoting biodiversity. Coastal front garden, wildlife pond with viewing deck, bog garden, native hedging, summer house, slopes planted with shrubs, perennials, bulbs and edibles, wild area with log pile, etc. Potting shed and propagation area.

5

Flowers, Fun, Facts and First-Class Winners on the Autumn Gardening Club Programme

 

FLOWERS, FUN, FACTS & FIRST-CLASS WINNERS; A ROUND UP OF GARDENING CLUB NEW FOR LATE SUMMER AND AUTUMN.

The Rhydlewis Gardening Club has been on its travels again, starting with a joyful coach trip to Llwyngarreg. This beautifully tended 4 acre garden near Whitland was full of flowers in July and the weather really showed off their colours. The gardens are owned and tended  by Liz and Paul O’Neil  and part of the National Garden Scheme. After our long trip, we needed the tea and delicious selection of cakes on offer! It was warm enough to enjoy our treats in the garden.

 

Afterward, Paul  O'Neil

guided us round the gardens, explaining how they gardened and naming the plants and trees. This trip was open to friends and family, and it was voted a lovely garden and a magical afternoon trip.

.

THE FLOWER AND PRODUCE SHOW was held on the 27th of August and we were surprised at the number of wonderful entries after such a mixed spring and summer. The Show Secretary, Jane Puddephatt, said; 

"Members dug deep to produce an amazing display of color and variety which kept our judges Bob and Rannveig Wallis very busy." Thanks to Barry the photographer for taking these marvellous pics of the winners, which appeared, with Jane's write-up of the event in the local paper, Teifi News, and on the Cambrian News Online.

Category Results in Full are at the bottom of the blogpost

On Tuesday September 24th, 7.30pm we had our annual round-table discussion. This time we looked at “PESTS AND DISEASES”.  Members mostly wanted to talk about how we all cope with pests and plant disease and how, in our different ways, we address the problems. Sue Edmunds gave us a really interesting short talk on the problem of slugs in the garden, and  how to approach this and still to do the least damage to the fragile eco system. She came up with some very interesting ways of combatting these slimy invaders.  Come and tell us your tips and tricks, and find out how others deal with these problems, including copper bands, nematodes, caffeine repellant planting and garlic! We had a short Friends and Foes Quiz along with the raffle and refreshments. 

The  Prize Draw was announced. This is a great chance to win one of three electric propagators for greenhouse or indoor use. Tickets are £2 each; contact Nina for details if you want to have a go. or come to the next two meetings! The Draw winners will be announced at the end of the Winter Party in November. 

This month, on Tuesday October 29th 7.30pm, we have 

HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

Ruth Bramley from Farmyard Nurseries, will give an illustrated talk on how to care for your houseplants, covering the vast variety of plants that can be brought inside to be enjoyed. Do bring along any ‘difficult’ houseplants that you may have, and of course your questions on houseplant gardening. There will be chance to examine the prizes of propagators, and buy tickets for the Draw, and as always, there will be a raffle and refreshments. 

On Tuesday November 28th this year, we will complete  our 2024 meetings with a festive meeting––THE WINTER PARTY.

This  perennial celebration is the chance for you to enjoy each others company. Refreshments will be provided, but do feel free to bring your own contributions of nibbles and your choice of drinks to make this a great evening where we can relax and chat about gardening and anything else!  Just for fun, we're going to have a session of Gardening Bingo, so hold on to your gardening hats as you go for the stupendous prizes! 

Here are those up-coming dates again, for your diary.

October 29th 7.30pm

HOUSEPLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

Tuesday November 28th, 7.30pm

WINTER SOCIAL EVENING

Tuesday January 28th,   2025 7.30pm

AGM 

The first meeting next year; please come along and be an active part of the AGM of your gardening club. Please bring your subscription fee of £10. New members welcome and the 2025 programme will be available.

Category Results in Full: White Potatoes 1st. Janette Sharman, 2nd. Gary Soltys; Coloured Potatoes 1st Gary Soltys, 2nd.Janette Sharman; Beetroot 1st, Carrie Davies; Marrow, 1st, Sarah Taylor, 2nd, Gary Soltys; Runner Beans 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Erica Knight; Pods of peas, 1st, Ann-Marie Dewhurst, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Onions, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Jim Milton; Shallots, 1st, Jim Milton; Tomatoes, 1st, Gary Soltys, 2nd, Marj Fogg; Cherry Tomatoes, 1st, Joy Wason, 2nd, John Piggott; Cucumber, 1st, Joy Wason, 2nd, Janette Sharman; Longest Runner Bean 1st. Erica Knight 2nd. Anne Tod; Best Comic Vegetable, 1st, Janette Sharman; Collection of 6 Vegetables, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Bunch of 5 mixed herbs, 1st, Janette Sharman, 2nd, Gemma Cohen; Cooking Apples, 1st, Carrie Davies, 2nd. Rob Taylor; Dessert Apples 1st. n/a 2nd. Jim Milton; Vase of 3 Dahlias, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, John Piggott; Vase of 3 Hydrangeas, 1st, John Piggott and Gary Soltys, 2nd, Ruth Potter; Vase of 6 Sweet Peas, 1st, Gary Soltys, 2nd, Ann-Marie Dewhurst; Vase of 6 Garden Flowers, 1st, Erica Knight, 2nd, Joy Wason; An arrangement for a Golden Wedding Anniversary, 1st, Marj Fogg; Arrangement A Summer Gift Hand Tied Arrangement, 1st, Joy Wason 2nd. Nina Milton; Photograph A Stunning Summer Landscape, 1st, Sophie Heath, 2nd, Jane Puddephatt; Photograph Something Fluffy, 1st, Jane Puddephatt, 2nd, Rob Taylor; Painting My Garden, 1st, Jim Milton, 2nd, Jim Milton; Metre of Bunting, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, Sophie Heath; An Article of Hand Made Jewellery, 1st, Jacqui Harries, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Handmade Greeting Card, 1st, Carey Jones; Sausage Rolls, 1st, Nina Milton, 2nd, Marj Fogg; A loaf of Brown or White Bread, 1st, Marj Fogg, 2nd, Marj Fogg; A cake made with a vegetable not Carrot, 1st, Sophie Heath, 2nd, Marj Fogg; Decorated Cup Cakes, Nina Milton; Novelty Biscuits, Sophie Heath; Jar of Jam or Jelly 1st, John Piggott, 2nd, Carrie Davies; Jar of Relish, 1st, Marj Fogg, 2nd, Nina Milton; Childs Class Item Made from Recycled Material, 1st, Jazmine Jones and Georgia Heath; Child's Class Glove Puppet, Georgia Heath.

High Summer Sunshine for the Garden Visit

    

Our coach trip to Llwyngarred Gardens for 25 members and friends of the gardening club was huge fun. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy the gardens...not to mention the tea and cake which was on offer whenever we chose. Some wandered the garden first, others went for refreshments after quite a long trip down, thanks to a diversion from the A40 roundabout. Thank heavens for our coach driver, who was magnificent, safely depositing us at the entrance and getting us all
back to our home destinations.

The sun was high in the sky and shone with an intensity; people were glad of the shade that the lawn area allowed. Liz and Neil, who garden almost single-handedly, are a warm-hearted couple who welcomed us in and gave us a very interesting tour of the gardens. Llwyngarreg opens only for the National Garden Scheme, so all donations go to good causes. 

The garden features many unusual plants that love its mild climate, including agapanthus bamboos, blue Himalayan poppies, rhododendrons (sadly over) and magnolias. A spring-fed stream flows around the garden with a pretty 'Monet' bridge to cross. The summer borders were still still colourful at the end of July, with Hedychiums and Salvias.  I loved the spectacular living willow sculptures.

There were very impressive gravel terraces, formal raised pool and a pretty sunken garden where one could sit in tranquility. There were many tender and exotic gems and wonderful autumn colour was already promised with the beautiful, very tall Acers.  

The vegetable plot was impressive. I don't know many veggie gardeners who have had results like the ones in the picture this year! Well done Neil, who I think is the veg gardener. 

This gardens is a must-visit; a real hidden gem that offers inspiration for gardeners with smaller plots. Even the non-gardeners among us had a lovely time. 

Overall, a huge vote of thanks to Liz and Neil from our members, and a especial thank you from one of our members, who is blind––Neil has invited her and her companion back to have a guided tractor ride around the whole site. 

If you were unable like to visit and would like to make your own trip,  Liz and Neil say this about the gardens:

"We made a decision to change a 2-acre field into garden in 2000, and this has now reached maturity. Even in the winter months, there are flowers such as scented Mahonia and witch hazel, Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ and many Hellebores that only the keenest gardeners ever see!

There is bamboo tunnel with a Japanese entrance gate to the garden, into a shelter belt begun in 2007. Beyond can be seen a long, curved hedge in the centre of the main garden, near a bed of deciduous azaleas containing trees such as Liqidamber and Nyssa. Visitors cross a stream emanating from springs on either side of the house, which were converted into a series of cascades planted with candelabra Primulas, dwarf Rhododendrons, and tender perennials such as Astelia, Colocasia and Crinum lilies.

Down the east side of the field is a 40m border of mixed perennials and shrubs and below this is a woodland area with Acers, Rhododendrons, bamboos and an area containing mainly long-needled pines (P. patula grown from seed in 1999 is 40’ tall), with naturalised Fritillarias. At the bottom of the garden it is boggy, giving plenty of opportunity for colourful Primulas of many species, ferns, blue Himalayan poppies (on raised peat beds), Ligularias, Iris and wet-loving trees Metasequoia and Taxodium. Centrally placed are the Low Walk borders with shrubs and Rodgersia, many Rhododendrons, Pittosporums, Fuchsias and Cotinus. Foliage colour is varied here and autumn brings particular delights with many trees chosen for their flaming colours. At the top of the two borders is a monocot bed, dominated by jungly Miscanthus floridulus enlivened by masses of Dieramas.

Facing the house, the Magnolia garden is to your right, above the potager. Here also are large-leaved Rhododendrons, aquilegias and hellebores. A wall to the right beyond the house has been planted with alpines, above a gravel area where more Mediterranean plants thrive. A large polytunnel supplements fruit and vegetables from the potager. This is a spacious garden which repays the plantsman who cares to linger. Sounds are important, with water babbling, chimes here and there and the bamboo deer-scarer. 

Children will enjoy the living willow structures, which include a “monkey cage”, a dome and 2 benches. Attention
has been paid to the need to label trees and shrubs, if only so that the owners can keep track of the many plantings. A ‘Tropical Bed’ was added in 2013 and well-drained gravel terraces surround the conservatory, including a collection of succulents. The sunken garden for more exotics is now mature and above this a bed is dedicated to species Salvias.

Benches are thoughtfully provided at intervals around the garden and children may enjoy swings, dens, underwater giant and mermaid and hiding in the jungly Miscanthus!

The newest project is above the polytunnel where the orchard is supplemented with a young arboretum underplanted with bulbs and framed by wavy beds of grass and wildflowers."

 

PARTIES AND GARDEN VISITS: A MISCELLANY OF EVENTS

 Hello gardeners!

Summer is proving to be rather damp and chilly, with moments of warm sun which personally, I'm grabbing with both hands...to sit and enjoy. It's actually easier to garden when it's cooler, although not easier when it's raining!

Last month we enjoyed our party, at Gary and Jane's house and garden, Llainfran Fach,. Gary gave us a wonderful tour of his small holding –  the wild areas, lily ponds, poly tunnel and  we all fell in love with the  goats, donkeys, duck, hens, sheep and alpacas.

Here are the pictures of the party;

At the end of this month we have our garden visit. We're offering you free  a place in our coach if you are a member, and welcome plus one visitors. Llwyngarreg is a 4 acre garden near Whitland, owned by Liz and Paul O’Neill and part of the National Garden Scheme. We will be guided round the gardens, with tea and cake afterward. Costs, £10 per person (if you can’t stay for cake, it’s £6). We are meeting in Rhydlewis Village Hall Car Park at 2.30 pm (not 3, as previously stated. 

For those of you who like  closer to Carmarthen, the Bronwydd Gardening Club has an active programme too. Their Annual Show this year will take place on Saturday August 17th and I have a list of the categories if anyone would like to enter. 

Then on September   17th  Abel Pearson (Glasbren) talks on Permaculture.

All meetings take place at Bronwydd Hall 7pm for a 730pm start.

Hoping to see you on Tuesday 30th July for the garden visit, 2.30 at the hall.