Its verdant rolling landscapes and headlining horticultural attractions have
led to Carmarthenshire being known as 'The Garden of Wales'.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales opened in the Tywi Valley of
Carmarthenshire in 2000, the first of its kind to be created in Britain in over
200 years. This is truly a garden for a new age with everything from
Mediterranean flora to typical Welsh species, imaginative landscaping and
astonishing architecture. At its spectacular centre, the Sir Norman Foster
designed Great Glasshouse, the world's largest single span glasshouse, is a
delight for the senses as colour and scent abound.
Anyone who may not have visited Carmarthenshire since its early days will see
a huge change in the botanical garden as the planting matures and the
attraction continues to grow its event programme and features.
Also in Carmarthenshire, and only a short drive away from the National Botanic
Garden, is Aberglasney. It's a hauntingly beautiful 16th and 17th century
garden which has been designed to incorporate six different garden spaces in
its 10 acres. It also has a well deserved reputation as one of the UK's most
exciting restoration projects.
The garden has an exciting addition.. An unique winter garden has been created
within the ruinous courtyard of the mansion house housing exotic species that
fill the air with their perfume and riot of lush greenery.
Close by is the National Trust's Dinefwr Park. Acres of gracefully landscaped
parklands overlooked by the imposing Dinefwr Castle, from the top of which the
visitor has a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of Carmarthenshire and the
beautiful Tywi Valley.
In the west of Carmarthenshire, the Hywel Dda Centre is a fascinating addition
to any visit. A garden created in tribute to one of the great Welsh kings and
the legal code that he devised which was run until the Act of the Union in
1536. Six interconnecting gardens display extracts of these laws illustrated on
slate plaques, whilst the Interpretive Centre features a permanent exhibition
about Hywel and the Law.
Explore Carmarthenshire in more detail at
www.visitcarmarthenshire.co.uk
Carmarthenshire Gardens
www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk