Plants&Gardens Gardens MAKE A SPLASH THIS SPRING
What is a water garden?
According to the National Trust, it’s “any garden that makes use of water for ornamental effect, be that a series of cascades or a decorative canal”.
As gardens across the Shire patch open their gates for the 2022 season, we know many of you will be heading out to explore. For inspiration, here’s an inside peek at two of our favourite water gardens.
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pring has sprung and local landscapes are bursting with new life and colour. Keen gardeners will be excited to get out and about and see what our open spaces have to offer – especially as many gardens were unable to welcome the public in the usual way last year or the year before. There’s a wealth of opportunities on the doorstep, everything “A from world-class designer gardens to fountain National Trust treasures and beautifully bubbles tended hidden gems. We always like to recommend places you may not have come from the across yet, so here’s two ideas to dip into… cairn at
Conwy Water Gardens, Glyn Isa
the centre”
Set within Snowdonia National Park in the picturesque Conwy Valley, Conwy Water Gardens offer the most tranquil of surroundings, with ponds, waterfalls and woodlands to
Conwy’s lakes are a perfect spot for fishing. Left: a curious capybara
discover. A new Nature Trail meanders through the valley, and visitors will enjoy spotting pheasants and maybe even an otter or two. At the new feeding station you can watch and listen to countless species of birds. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a lead. When it comes to refreshments, the Dutch Pancake House and Restaurant is fully licensed. Anglers will be delighted to discover three well-stocked coarse fishing lakes, and for younger visitors there’s a play area and some adorable capybaras to visit, as well as the ubiquitous ducks and chickens to feed. There is also a dedicated tortoise and turtle area. The aquatic centre has over 100 species of fish, and an
impressive array of fish and pond supplies. Admission is free, so whether you just want to browse the retail opportunities, feed the animals or spend a whole day walking and relaxing, come and visit this beautiful part of North Wales. Satnav: LL32 8TP www.conwywatergardens.co.uk
Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, Pembridge, Leominster
This beautiful garden has new owners, who are working hard to reflect the decades of love and care that have gone into its stunning grounds while also looking forward to the future. Visitors will enjoy exploring its distinct areas: you enter by a bridge over the Curl Brook to find a stone tower, home to a flight of white doves. Water raised from the stream by an antique waterwheel spouts from the gargoyles overhead. Next is the Bog Garden, rich in water-loving plants – you get a good view of them from the paths that criss-cross the bog. From the Bog Garden you may wander in several directions. Behind the giant cornus hedge at the back is the Big Pond, flanked by groups of moisture-loving plants both tall and small: giant irises and rushes on one side, on the other colourful primulas, hemerocallis, ligularia and other water-lovers. Rose A blaze of colour at the Big Pond ‘Rambling Rector’ and wisteria festoon a pergola that separates the pond from the Cairn Garden. Here, boardwalks take you over a maze of small channels through luxuriant growth. A fountain bubbles from the cairn at the centre. Bridges cross the new planting of the Cut and reach the canal at the edge of the Wild Flower Meadow. Follow a streamside walk bordered by young trees and shrubs and cross the meadow to climb the Spiral Mound. You’ll feel like the king of your own castle! Satnav: HR6 9HZ. www.westonburymillwatergardens.com March/April 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 97
