Julia Fitzgerald looks at some of the fabulous gardens you can enjoy around Monmouthshire this spring...
High Glanau Manor
A listed Arts and Crafts garden, High Glanau Manor is a country house with views looking out over the Sugar Loaf, Vale of Usk and the Brecon Beacons, to name a few.
The house has gardens with wild flowers, an orchard and plenty of woodland to walk through.
Admission is £5, under 16s go free. The attraction is located between Monmouth and Chepstow. The next open day is May 1, 2pm to 5.30pm.
The Kymin/Kymin Hill
A National Trust Garden, Kymin is a scenic point of interest spread across nine acres of stunning grounds. It stands on top of a hill and looks out across the Wye Valley and Monmouth.
As a landmark, the site scores almost five out of five on Tripadvisor. It’s voted a great place to visit, even more so if you’re lucky enough to have good weather.
With spring now upon us, are you brave enough to stray from the beaten track and climb the 800 feet to the top?
Once you’re up there, it’s a great picnic spot in the attractive countryside, with two Georgian buildings awaiting you at the summit.
Entry is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children, with family and group tickets available. Opening hours 7am to 9pm, but please check the opening times of the buildings ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.
Dewstow Gardens and Grottoes
A perfect day out for children, Dewstow is a lost garden with underground tunnels that were buried for more than 50 years. The grottoes were built in 1895 and buried just after the Second World War, but were rediscovered in 2000 and are now open to the public.
Located in Caerwent, near Caldicot, the labyrinths and gardens are highly thought of by their visitors. The series of grottoes are extensive and attractive and are described as ‘outstanding’ and ‘quirky and historic’ in guest feedback on Tripadvisor.
The underground grottoes, ponds, tropical glass houses, rock garden and alpine garden are definitely the place to go if you fancy doing something a bit different.
The gardens are open from 10am to 4.30pm and cost £6.50 for adults, concessions £5.50 and children 11-18 £4. Under 11s go free.
Penpergwm Lodge Gardens
Why not visit the peaceful and tranquil Penpergwm Lodge Gardens, open every Friday and Saturday afternoon from April until September.
The three-acre garden has been developed in keeping with the Edwardian lodge that stands alongside it. Located in Abergavenny, the stunning grounds have mature trees and include a vine walk and malus avenue.
The lodge is a popular bed and breakfast and has been described as ‘different and perfect’ and ‘quirky’ by previous guests. It’s family-friendly and overlooks the gardens and there’s a pool. Need I say more?
Admission is £4.50 for adults and free for children.
Veddw House Garden
A modern and romantic garden, this popular attraction will be open every Sunday from June to August, 2pm to 5pm.
With outstanding reviews from many publications on its website, the grounds are located in Devauden.
Created by one of Britain’s most influential gardeners, the two acres of garden and woodlands are set in the wonderful countryside and the attention to detail is something its visitors admire. The local history also plays a big part in the creation of the gardens and the black reflecting pool is definitely a highlight.
The 1990s garden and meadow with its series of compartments, including wildlife and magnolia walk costs £7 for adults and under 14s £1.50.
The Nurtons Garden
With 30 acres of wonderful gardens, a meadow, orchards and a flower and vegetable garden, this village attraction also has a guest house. Mediterranean plants are also a feature at the site, which is located in Tintern and is open from Easter through to September.
The gardens are nestled in the Wye Valley and feature work by artist Gemma Wood. The pieces of art are positioned around the grounds and there is also a sculpture garden displaying her work.
They are the only gardens in the village of Tintern and is located opposite the old railway station. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for under 16s. Under 4s go free.
A selection of the images we’ve used came from The Finest Gardens in Wales by Tony Russell, published by Amberley Books. Price: £15.99
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