Firestyle Magazine Issue 7 - Spring 2017 | Page 37

Wales
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
With its fragrant blooms and stunning
backdrop of the Carneddau
Mountains, Bodnant Garden is a delight
for the senses. Spring sees a mass of
daffodils burst into life, followed by
bright azaleas and delicate magnolias.
It’s said there’s a rhododendron in
bloom every month of the year here,
even in winter, but they reach a
dazzling peak in late spring. The season
is crowned by the famous Laburnum
Arch, a grand tunnel walk at the very
heart of the estate which blossoms into
a vast and vibrant cascade of golden
yellow towards the end of May.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-
garden
Colby Woodland Garden, Chirk Castle, Wrexham
The award-winning gardens cover 5.5
Pembrokeshire
acres of manicured lawns, clipped
Set in a tranquil secret valley, this
woodland garden is full of seasonal
delights. Spring brings carpets of
bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils,
followed by swathes of camellias and
azaleas. Rhododendrons are Colby’s
speciality and thrive in the garden’s
acidic soil: look out for the large-
leaved varieties by the newt pond
and old oak corner. Afterwards you
can explore the meadow, hop across
the stream on stepping stones and
enjoy the birds singing in the trees.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/colby-
woodland-garden
yews, herbaceous borders, beautiful
rose, shrub and rock gardens, and the
wooded pleasure ground – perfect
for a stroll. Don’t miss the terrace
overlooking the 18th century ha-ha
at the bottom of the garden, with
stunning views over the Cheshire and
Salop plains. The sight of bluebells is
a seasonal highlight at Chirk Castle.
In spring the woodland walk is
transformed by a carpet of bluebells,
making it a haven for wildlife and
visitors alike.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle
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