We visit Anglesey often because it has a unique atmosphere and a beautiful coastline in places not unlike Pembrokeshire. The most recent visit was near the end of April earlier this year.
We first saw a small sign on the roadside for the “Hidden Garden” as we travelled the road to Beaumaris. It was a few years later when we first decided to find the hidden garden. We were so glad we did! Recently we visited again and so enjoyed the developments that had been made.
After driving up a tree lined driveway we were welcomed by a beautiful slate sign. This set the tone for the welcome buildings, the cafe, shop and nursery.
The first view of the garden showed its long sweeping undulating lawn and neat topiary. Trained fruit trees adorned the area directly in front of the cafe windows. But there were some well composed pots of tulips all around the buildings.
We usually follow a clockwise route around a garden but the way the garden map was numbered led us in the opposite direction for a change. We soon arrived at a long, narrow rectangular garden which took us alongside the grass area. The planting here was interesting and contrasted well with the formality of the early views we had enjoyed. More beautiful pots, many with bright tulips, provided extra colour.
From this area a winding gravel path took us through ‘The Jungle’ beneath a large specimen of Yew and over a tiny stream. It was a slow time as I struggled with my walking stick and Jude supporting me and helping on the slopes and steps. But the planting made it oh so worthwhile with all sorts of plants from tiny alpines to tall trees above.
Having to move slowly here gave us the opportunity to study plants and appreciate them in detail. The area around the little stream was a great place for looking closely.
Carrying on down, several short but steep flights of stone steps slowed us right down but there was so much to see.
As we approached the bottom of the slope we got close to one of my favourite parts of the garden, the pond and streamside. So this is a good time to end part one of my report on our day at Plas Cadnant, the Hidden Garden. In part two we will consider the pond and streamside gardens and the walk back to the beginning.
greenbenchramblings 