Dyffryn Gardens, St. Nicholas, Vale of Glamorgan, CF5 6SU
The finest surviving Thomas Mawson garden in Britain set in 70 acres of spectacular landscaped parkland. Restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund is nearing completion. Features include the Pompeian garden, reflecting pool, theatre garden, Italianate terraces, cloister garden, physic garden, rose garden, lavender court, vine walk, alpine garden and arboretum. Tel 029 2059 3328  www.dyffryngardens.org.uk

 

Formal gardens, borders and a modern knot garden. Terraces descending to a series of lakes. Some landscaping by James Pulham. Restoration of the rosary has recently been completed. In the museum, period gardens are being created around reconstructed buildings from all parts of Wales. Tel 029 2057 3500

www.museumwales.ac.uk

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Road, Penarth, CF64 5UY 
South of the M4 and close to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast . Over 200 acres of stunning lakes, woodlands and meadows open to the public all year round, with a vast variety of flora and fauna and migrating wildlife en route to sunnier climates. You will find exotic trees and mossy wetlands teeming with life , beautiful tiny wildflowers, quiet secluded corners and wide open pastures. Tel:029 2070 1678 

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/cosmeston 

Porthkerry Country Park
Situated a mile west of Barry and close to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are the spacious 220 acres of parkland, the dominant feature of the park being its fine 500 metre long grass meadow flanked by rich deciduous woodlands. Amble down to the seafront and explore the shoreline or climb the steps to the top of the cliffs with wonderful views across the sea or inland towards the impressive viaduct that runs through the park. Telephone 01446 733589. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Insole Court, Fairwater Road, Llandaff
This 19th century baronial house retains its immediate pleasure garden with balustraded terraces and a magnificent Cedar of Lebannon. Open all year in daylight hours, free of charge. www.insolecourt.org

The Bishop’s Palace, The Green, Llandaff.
An enclosed town garden with modern herbaceous planting including fragrant herbs within medieval walls, in the centre of Llandaff near the Cathedral. Open all year in daylight hours, free of charge.

Bute Park
In the heart of the capital alongside city centre shopping lies Bute Park, the extensive grounds of Cardiff Castle. Wander in this fine parkland amongst many ancient trees where peacocks, ducks and geese wander freely with the castle as a backdrop with its 12th Century Norman Keep and enchanting fairytale towers.

Cefn Onn Park
Three miles from Cardiff, informal Edwardian Woodland renowned for its' rhododendrons and azaleas.
www.cardiff.gov.uk

Fonmon Castle
Enjoy the walled and kitchen gardens with herbaceous borders, flowering shrubs and unusual trees surrounding a medieval castle. Open April - September on Tues and Wed afternoons only. Tel 01446 710206. e-mail: fonmon_castle@msn.com

A Physic Garden for Cowbridge
Today in the heart of Cowbridge and within an area bounded on the south and west by the medieval town walls, lie Old Hall gardens. By the eighteenth century Old Hall was the home of the Edmundes family who laid out the gardens and continued to live in the Hall until the 1920s. It is remarkable that this garden should have survived in an open space within the town. Restored by the South and Mid Glamorgan Branch of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust,  this walled garden creates a Physic garden within its walls and provide a new free public garden with educational and scientific value, a colourful, fragrant and tranquil oasis within the town. www.cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk

The National Gardens Scheme
(In aid of Nurses Charities including the Macmillan Nurses).
For details of open gardens contact Hon County Organiser Mrs Rosamund Davies Tel 01656 880048 or visit www.ngs.org.uk