Gardens open for the National Garden Scheme provide somewhere different to spend time with family and friends over the bank holiday weekend and during half term – children go free in all the Powys gardens open this week and you can even take your dog (on a short lead) with you!

Glanwye, a large Victorian garden with magnificent views of the Wye Valley is open on Sunday, May 26, from 2-5pm, admission £4. The garden can be found two miles south-east of Builth Wells, turn off the A470 at Lodge Gate and will be signposted (satnav is unreliable).

On Monday you have another opportunity to see the fascinating town garden at Oak Cottage in Welshpool. This is a garden where you can enjoy the detail of tiny alpine flowers, admire fascinating insectivorous plants or simply sit in a corner and enjoy the green space around. Open from 2- 5pm on Monday, May 27, admission is £3.50; the entrance to the garden can be found in Bowling Green Lane, right in the centre of Welshpool.

Later in the week, Grandma’s Garden at Dolguog Estates, Felingerrig, Machynlleth, SY20 8UJ is open on Wednesday, May 29, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, admission £5, children free. The gardens were designed by the late Diana Rhodes (Grandma), herself a wheelchair user and the main paths are hard topped making them suitable for visitors with particular needs. This is a place to find inner peace as you gaze across to the Snowdonia National Park and the Dyfi Valley.

The nine acres is divided into seven themed gardens to stimulate and delight the senses. A Children’s Enchanted garden with plenty to fire young imaginations makes this a great place for all the family to enjoy. Other features include a wildlife pond and arbour, bog garden and stone circle. The garden is an inspiration for garden lovers, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

There are also gardens which will open by arrangement from the beginning of May, providing visitors with an exclusive opportunity to explore wonderful gardens set in stunning locations, all you need to do is contact the owner and arrange a time to suit you.

Remember that when visiting a garden open through National Garden Scheme you not only have an opportunity to enjoy a great garden and great cake, but you are also helping to raise funds for nursing and health charities such as Hospice UK, Macmillan, Marie Curie and new guest charity Mind.

Gardens open by arrangement:

  • Apr-Aug: Abernant, Garthmyl, SY15 6RZ, Mrs BM Gleave: 01686 640494, john.gleave@mac.com
  • Apr-Jun: Gorsty House, Hyssington, SY15 6AT, Gary & Annie Frost: 01588 620953 frostiesuk@msn.com
  • Apr-Nov: Hebron, Knighton, LD7 1HP Kevin Collins & Anita Lewis: 01547 529576 kd.collins@hotmail.co.uk
  • All Year: Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, LD1 6NB, Mary Elster: 01597 860190 llethr@outlook.com
  • Apr-Nov: Plas Dinam, Llandinam, SY17 5DQ, Eldrydd Lamp: 07415 503554, eldrydd@plasdinam.co.uk
  • Apr-Sep: Pont Faen House, Farrington Lane, Knighton, LD7 1LA, John & Brenda Morgan: 01547 520847
  • May-Sep: 1 Church Bank, Welshpool, SY21 7DR, Mel & Heather Parkes: 01938 559112, melandheather@live.co.uk
  • May-Sep: Tranquillity Haven, Whitton, LD7 1NJ, Val Brown: 01547 560070 valerie.brown1502@gmail.com
  • May-Sep: White Hopton Farm, Sarn SY16 4EN, Claire Austin: 01686 670342 enquiries@claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk
  • Jun-Jul: Hurdley Hall, Churchstoke, SY15 6DY Simon Cain & Simon Quin 07958915115 simon.cain@westbourneconsulting.com
  • Jun-Jul: The Hymns, Presteigne, LD8 2RA E Passey 07958 762362 thehymns@hotmail.com
  • Jun-Sep: 1 Ystrad House, Knighton, LD7 1EB John & Margaret Davis 01547 528154 jamdavis@ystradhouse.plus.com
  • Jun-Aug: Tyn Y Cwm, Beulah, LD5 4TS Steve & Christine Carrow 01591 620461 stevetynycwm@hotmail.co.uk
  • Jun-Sep: The Neuadd, Llanbedr, NP8 1SP Robin & Philippa Herbert 01873 812164 philippahherbert@gmail.com
  • Jul: Broniarth Hall, Guilsfield, SY21 9DW Mrs Janet Powell 01938 500639 janet09br@hotmail.co.uk