Aberglasney
Heritage Garden of Excellence
Aberglasney: a medieval house and gardens set in the Tywi valley in the parish of Llangathen, West Wales, it is owned and run by Aberglasney Restoration Trust.
The initial major restoration of Aberglasney Mansion and Gardens was completed in July 4, 1999, and the gardens were officially opened to the public. Both the mansion and gardens are Grade II*.
Today it is quite simply one of Wales’ finest gardens, and at its heart lies a fully restored Elizabethan Cloister Garden that is the only surviving example of its kind in the UK today.
Visitors can explore ten acres of over twenty different garden styles - from formal to woodland, through to exotic and modern - along with the fully restored ground floor of Aberglasney Mansion, work on which was completed in 2013.
The gardens are beautiful, and reflect the character and charm of their Elizabethan origins.
There is a horticultural centre with a more 'national' profile not too far from Aberglasney. But, in my opinion, Aberglasney is, by far, the more impressive experience.
Some images from this wonderful venue are shown in the gallery below - a mixture of events, portraits and garden images. Just click on an image to enter Lightbox.
Music in the Pool Garden
Thought the summer months, Aberglasney hosts evening of jazz music alongside the picturesque Pool Garden.
The session pictured left was delivered by Dave Cottle (keyboards, trumpet, and vocals), Gary Phillips (electric, acoustic. and slide guitars), and Paul Smith on drums.
It is always worth checking the Aberglasney website to see whether there is an event scheduled if you are planning to be in the area.
The Perfect Foil for Photography
My two young models entered into the spirit of the Elizabethan Age for a photoshoot in the cloisters and gardens of Aberglasney this summer.
Thank you Mia and Grace for doing such a great job and helping to make sure that we did not inconvenience other visitors to Aberglasney.
So, some images from Aberglasney.
Below, there are some photos from visits made to explore the gardens: yes, dogs - on a lead - are permitted in the gardens on Thursdays (but always check the Aberglasney website before going with a pooch).
Then there are images from Music in the Pool Garden events - these are usually held on Friday evenings during August (again, check the website).
Finally - Mia and Grace enter the spirit of the Elizabethan age. The Gardens and House are the perfect setting for portraits - but, once again, you need to check the Aberglasney website if planning a more formal session.
