A typical garden tour, highlighting the best green houses might be as follows:
Wednesday, June 2
DEPART FOR LONDON
Thursday, June 3
CARDIFF: On arrival in London, transfer to a comfortable airport hotel for coffee and cakes before continuing westwards to Wales and Cardiff its capital city. This afternoon visit one of the best open air museums in Europe, The Museum of Welsh Life containing a variety of horticultural exhibits, from the formal gardens of the privileged to the first organic gardens of Welsh working families. Tonight get together for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Friday, June 4
CARDIFF AREA: First stop is the National Botanic Garden, a fascinating mix of modern and traditional design which brilliantly mixes restored Regency buildings and historic parkland with new developments. A Great Glasshouse, dominated by a deep ravine, brings the Mediterranean climate to Wales. Next visit Aberglasney, in the Towy Valley, which like Heligan, is a garden lost in time. As restoration continues, enigmatic structures in the garden include the yew tunnel and the cloister garden which has a unique parapet walk. Continue to The Lake Country House at Llangammarch Wells for dinner and overnight. The hotel is set on 50 acres of secluded grounds, a beautiful area of sweeping lawns and a beautiful old green houses amidst thick woods and Rhododendron. (B,D)
Saturday, June 5
WEST COAST: A circular tour to the West Coast crosses the Plynlimon mountain range to reach the coast at the university town of Aberystwyth where we visit Ynyshir Hall and gardens. From here travel to Llanllyr near Lampeter, a 19th century house owned by Robert & Loveday Gee which showcases an allegorical maze based on Paradise Lost and a historical rose collection. Following lunch, continue on to the nearby National Trust’s Llanerchaeron near Aberaeron, a rare surviving Welsh gentry estate with a late 18th century villa by John Nash. See an extensive range of 19th century farm and horticultural buildings and two extensive walled gardens, cultivated by volunteers to show the evolution of garden technology from the early 19th century to the present day. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Sunday, June 6
MID-WALES: Travel to The Dingle (“dell” or “glen”), a lovely private garden maintained by three generations of the Joseph family encompassing four acres of hillside and a lake. Next visit Powis Castle, an imposing National Trust property with outstanding formal terraced gardens, precisely clipped yew trees and many rare plants. From here drive to Snowdonia National Park. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Monday, June 7
PORTMEIRION: Today we explore the Italianate village of Portmeirion created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976. Meet the Head Gardener responsible for 70 acres of subtropical gardens and woodlands, which reveal magnificent sea views and an abundance of interesting plant life. The gardens won a Gold medal at the 1999 Chelsea Flower Show. Enjoy cocktails at the private home of Dafydd & Christine Lewis whose spectacular garden overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary. Have dinner in Portmeirion. (B,D)
Tuesday, June 8
PORTMEIRION AREA: First see Plas Brondanw, an outstanding architectural garden highlighting dramatic mountain scenery. Also see Maes-y-Neuadd, a Country House hotel with an outstanding kitchen garden. Later ride the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway before returning to Portmeirion for your last night here. (B,D)
Wednesday, June 9
NORTH WALES: Depart Portmeirion traveling through the dramatic Llanberis Pass to Caernarfon stopping at the Caernarfon Castle where Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969. Then visit Plas Newydd, home of the Marquess of Anglesey, boasting superb gardens and a woodland walk with access to a spectacular marine walk. Continue on to the medieval walled town of Conwy and your hotel. (B,D)
Thursday, June 10
NORTH WALES: First join Bodysgallen’s Head Gardener for a tour of the hotel gardens before leaving for Bodnant Garden, containing a vast collection of plants, shrubs and trees for four-season color. The Laburnum Arch will be at its best during your visit. Stop for a snack at the fifteenth century Groes Inn and enjoy some free time in Conwy. Tonight meet for your Farewell Dinner. (B,D)