| When the spring has dipped her foot, Like a bather in the air, And ripples warm the root, Till the little flowers dare, There is promise she will grow Sweeter than the springs of old, Fairer than was ever told. Heigh-ho! Harrison S.Morris (1856) |
Bodnant Garden
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Bodnant in North Wales has one of the finest gardens in the world. It is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping to the south west and looks across the valley towards the Snowdon range. This magnificent garden was presented to the National Trust by Henry Duncan, 2nd Baron Aberconway in 1949.
The garden is in two parts. The upper part around the house consists of the Terrace Gardens as well as informal lawns shaded by trees (Photo 1). The lower portion, known as 'The Dell', is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn, a tributary of the Conwy, and contains the Pinetum and Wild Garden (Photo 2).
In March and April masses of daffodils and other spring bulbs make a colourful display. Pride of place amongst the shrubs is held by rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas and camellias, which are in bloom in Spring. The famous Laburnum Arch is also at its best and the Chilean Fire Bush (Embothrium lanceolatum 'Norquinco') provides a mass of colour in Spring.
In summer, waterlilies break the reflections of the Pin Mill in the Canal (Photo 3), roses and herbaceous borders decorate the terrace gardens.
As 'The Dell' with its steep informal pathways is most interesting, come prepared to do some exploring here.
Bodnant has National Collections of Rhododendron forrestii, Magnolia, Eucryphia and Embothrium.