Pembrokeshire has more than 180 miles of vast, unspoiled coastline, where beaches embrace rugged cliffs, largely untouched by modern life. This region beckons families and solo travellers alike, offering a tranquil getaway.
During a trip in late August, my family and I stayed in Cwm-yr-Eglwys, a picturesque village by the sea near Dinas Island. Not an island in the true sense, its charm lies in the circular headland walk. Both winding and sometimes challenging, it presents panoramic vistas at every turn. If visited during certain seasons, rare seabirds, seldom seen elsewhere in the UK, can be spotted on the horizon.
Venture inland to visit whispering woodlands, hidden waterfalls and exquisite gardens such as Dyffryn Fernant. Located between Dinas Island and Fishguard, this garden has a lasting impact on visitors. From Nicky’s field, teeming with diverse grasses and sedges, to the tranquil pond, the garden unfolds in delightful segments. The Kitchen and Nursery Gardens showcase a wide range of herbs, igniting aspirations for your home garden.
For me, the Fernery was the highlight. Set behind an old brick building this small space, populated with ancient ferns, felt like a journey travelling back through time.
Deep within Pembrokeshire, the Ffynone and Cilgwyn Woods also await, cradling a waterfall notable not just for its beauty but also its legend. Tied to the folktales of magic and heroism of The Mabinogi, some believe this cascade could be a portal to Annwn, the mythic ‘Otherworld’. A brief, enchanting walk from the parking area immerses you in the sounds and sights of nature. Bring wellies or a towel – the pristine waters invite visitors for a dip, a temptation that’s hard to resist!
The website greengrove.cc is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
As 2024 gets underway, we’ve taken inspiration from Janus, the god of beginnings, transitions and time, who looks both forwards and back. Our gardens have all featured in our pages in the past, but we revisit them here and take a closer look at how they’ve developed over time, and how they’re changing now their owners have new challenges to contend with.
Watching birds feeding, displaying and collecting nest material in the garden is the most wonderful way to connect with the natural world. Whether you are listening to chiffchaffs singing while you are weeding the borders in spring or watching redwings feeding in the snow, birds bring life and joy to our gardens throughout the year.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden was one of the key reasons I wanted to visit Cape Town. I’d long heard of the famous gardens, and their importance to horticulture worldwide, so the chance to explore them for real was a dream come true. There’s so much to do and see in Cape Town and, with only a few days to fit it all in, my wife and I had to carve out dedicated time to visit Kirstenbosch, but we’re so pleased we did.
It won’t be a surprise if I say the many garden visits were the highlight of my trip last April to the Côte d’Azur. All were enjoyable and fascinating, but one stood out for me. In Le Jardin Serre de la Madone, Menton, I discovered a terraced garden carved into old farming land by Lawrence Johnston in the 1920s. Already the heir to Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds, shortly before commencing his masterpiece Johnston had been so seriously injured in WW1 he’d been left for dead.
Dramatic and elegant, amaryllis (Hippeastrum) are bulbous indoor plants that cheer us through the coldest months. The huge flowers bloom atop tall, sturdy stems, opening like colourful trumpets, as if about to blast away the winter blues with a clarion call.
If you envision your garden as a secluded sanctuary where you can relax and enjoy some peace, it will be of great benefit to improve the privacy of that special place. One way to do that is by strategically planting different beautiful tall-growing plants. They will not only add a touch of botanical elegance but will also shield your outdoor area from curious eyes.
Day 10 of our advent prize draw gives entrants the opportunity to win a DNA’24 DB26 Bread Knife from Savernake worth £199. Please note you must be over 18 to enter this prize draw.
The Isles of Scilly are like an idealised version of England – where the sun always shines, the food is wonderful, there’s no traffic and no one locks their doors! To say the sun always shines is an exaggeration, but they’re among the sunniest and mildest places in the UK – sea breezes mean it’s never too hot or humid and thanks to the Jetstream, they almost never have frost.