Gardens of South Wales

Date: Sunday, 29th August - Wednesday, 1st September, 2010

Cost: €450 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

One of our new tours for 2010, travelling by coach from Dublin on the Rosslaire – Fishguard ferry for our tour which is based in Carmarthen, sited on the River Towy and is reputed to be the oldest town in Wales.It boasts a Roman amphitheatre and a medieval castle. The surrounding countryside Carmarthenshire is often known as the ‘Garden of Wales’, due to its rolling beautiful countryside and associated flora and fauna. It’s also home to world class gardens like the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney, as well as to delightful market towns and rural villages.

Sunday, August 29th
Depart from Dublin by private coach to Rosslare in Co. Wexford for our ferry to Fishguard. On arrival, transfer to Picton Castle and Gardens. Free time for lunch in its excellent restaurant before visiting this late 13th century castle which has been in the Philipps family for over 500 years. Forty acres of grounds are planted with magnificent specimen trees and shrubs. There is also a traditional walled garden which has been restored and has an enchanting fountain and fernery. We then travel to our hotel, The Ivy Bush Royal - once a favoured retreat for Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton, the hotel has been sympathetically modernised to blend its old world charm with modern facilities. Dine together each evening as a group. www.ivybushroyal.co.uk

Monday, August 30th
Our morning visit today is to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a millennium project located in the estate of Middleton Hall. Around the iconic tear-drop shaped glasshouses are arranged herbaceous borders, an apothecaries garden, a Japanese garden and typical Welsh slate beds. A double walled garden and a series of lakes are legacies of the regency estate. Our afternoon visit is to Aberglasney Gardens where an extensive restoration programme has reclaimed these ancient gardens. The large upper walled garden has been redesigned by Penelope Hobhouse while the lower gardens are devoted to fruit and vegetables. A cloister garden, woodlands and conservatory also feature.

Tuesday, August 31st
Two more exciting gardens today. Duffryn Gardens - one of the most important gardens of the Edwardian era boasts herbaceous borders of epic proportions, parterres, rockeries, a stumpery, fernery and themed garden rooms all designed for the Victorian industrialist and horticulturalist, Reginald Cory. We also visit St.Fagans, where terraces, knot gardens and a vinery lead to woodland walks. This is home to the National Museum of Wales’ collection of historic buildings from all over Wales.

Wednesday, September 1st
We check out of the hotel and travel to The Cors – an elegant plantsperson’s garden extending to two and a half acres. Unusual architectural and exotic plants feature along with ponds and a large bog garden. We depart from Fishguard at 14.30 arriving Rosslare at 18.00.

Iain MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour. He will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes ferry, dinner, bed and breakfast in hotel, all entrances to gardens and guide fees.

COST: €450.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €45.00

Deposit: €200.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.

Itinerary subject to change