Despite one of the worst periods of weather in living memory over the last six months, Powis Castle says it is ready to welcome the world with its gardens in full bloom.
And it is asking you to show your support by voting for the property to be recognised as the National Trust’s top Welsh garden.
Visitors over the last few days have been treated to an explosion of colour as the gardens break out in a belated spring bloom.
But, as Head Gardener David Swanton explained, it hasn’t been easy and is down to a massive effort from his first-class team.
“After one of the longest winters I can remember, the plants in the garden were held back by about four weeks and have only started to flower in the last couple of weeks,” he said: “This late start to the season has got its benefits though - because the blossom is only just appearing on the fruit trees in the Formal Garden it has reduced the chances of frost damage so there should be a great fruit crop later on in the year.”
Bodnant Garden and Colby Woodland Garden will be providing tough competition but the Powis Garden staff is adamant that their gardens are in with a good chance of winning.
Mr Swanton added: “I think we’re in a great position to win the competition and if anyone is in any doubt, a visit over the next few weeks will surely sway them. Powis has long been famed for its summer displays in its renowned containers and if we won this £1,000 boost, we’d use it to make the same impact in spring by dotting the pathways and terraces with a series of new terracotta containers dedicated to spring bulbs and colour.”
Powis Facts:
- Powis Castle began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh princes of Powys, who held onto their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and England.
- In 1587, Powis was sold to Sir Edward Herbert who created the romantic long gallery which is richly decorated with the coats of arms of his ancestors.
- The first Marquess of Powis was forced into exile in 1668 due to his loyalty to the deposed King James II.
- In 1784, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert and Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, combined the Powis and Clive estates.
- In the early 20th Century, the 4th Earl of Powis and his wife, Lady Violet, redecorated much of the castle and brought the garden back to life, introducing new varieties from all over the world.