Discovering Welsh Gardens

Discovering Welsh Gardens
Published : 1 Mar 2009 - Graffeg
Here are 20 of Wales' best and most interesting gardens, some unknown to the gardening world, some familiar, and all specially photographed by award-winning photographer Charles Hawes. This is a chance to see what is happening in Welsh gardens today, be they large or small, contemporary town gardens or delightfully old-fashioned country gardens; to see how they relate, now and in the past, to the rugged landscapes that surround them, and to see what personalities and ambitions have created them. Stephen Anderton is known to readers of The Times for his ability to take his readers around a garden in words, to show how it really feels to be there, using his scalpel wit to explore their beauty and what they do well, but never ignoring their problems and their failures. With Anderton as a guide, you will certainly be provoked into visiting the gardens not just to see their glorious planting, but to look afresh at the designs and how they work, and to ask yourself, does this work for me? What would I do here? How would I have made this garden?

Gardens include Aberglasney, Llandeilo; Bodnant, Conwy Valley; Bodysgallen, Llandudno; Bodrhyddan, Rhuddlan; Cae Hir, Cribyn; Dewstow, Caergwent; Dyffryn Fernant, near Fishguard; Erdigg, Wrexham; Nant yr Eryd, Boncath; National Botanic Garden of Wales; Lower House, Hay-on-Wye; Plas Brondanw, Llanfrothen; Plas Cadnant, Menai Bridge; Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll; Plas yn Rhiw, Pwllheli; Powis Castle, Welshpool; Ridlers Garden, Swansea; The Dingle, Welshpool; Veddw House, Devauden; Wyndcliffe Court, Chepstow.

Reviews

Writer Stephen Anderton likes to walk into a garden and feel inspired by daring designs, quirkiness and innovation." <br /> <br />

David Powell, Daily Post

Anderton's wonderful guide is enough to make me get on the internet and start looking for B&Bs. His enthusiasm comes across in his new book which could grace any coffee table in style." <br />

Emma Townshend, The Independent

A superb production with an opinionated and provocative text.

Stephen Lacey, The Telegraph