Visitors to Powys will be able to explore a cluster of National Garden Scheme openings at the end of July, including two sites in Newtown, a lavender farm above Builth Wells and a first-time village opening at Llanfechain.
Dates, times and what to expect
The openings fall between Thursday 23 and Sunday 26 July, with most gardens welcoming the public from mid-morning until mid-afternoon. Hosts are offering a mix of informal refreshments, plant stalls and opportunities to learn about garden projects and production techniques.
| Garden / location | When | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bryn Teg, Bryn Lane, Newtown (SY16 2DP) | Sat 25 & Sun 26 July, 11:00–16:30 | Exotic, Caribbean-inspired planting; exotic trees and climbers; winding paths and a moongate |
| Ponthafren, Long Bridge Street, Newtown (SY16 2DY) | Sat 25 July 11:00–16:00; Sun 26 July 11:00–16:30 | Community garden run by volunteers; sensory planting and productive vegetable beds; refreshments |
| Welsh Lavender, Maesmynis, Builth Wells | Thu 23–Sun 26 July (opening days within range) | High‑ground lavender farm at about 1,100ft; wildflower areas, orchards, distillation process |
| Llanfechain village (SY22 6UQ) | Sun 26 July, 11:00–16:00 | Village opening for the scheme in a riverside setting |
Highlights and visitor information
- Bryn Teg is presented as a tropical, secret-style garden designed to evoke the owner's childhood in Jamaica, with banana leaves and colourful climbers.
- Ponthafren is described as a registered charity community garden on the banks of the River Severn, maintained entirely by volunteers; adults are asked to give a donation for entry, children go free and dogs are welcome.
- Welsh Lavender sits at altitude with extensive views and offers insight into lavender distillation; advance booking is required for this site.
Organisers say there will be refreshments at several sites: tea, coffee and cakes are available at Ponthafren and Bryn Teg, while Welsh Lavender combines visits to its wild swimming pond area, wild planting and demonstration of distillation. Ponthafren will also have plants for sale — "
lots of plants for sale" — as well as a sensory garden featuring long grasses, herbs and scented shrubs.
Anyone planning to visit Welsh Lavender should note that prior booking is obligatory; details and booking information are available via the National Garden Scheme website at findagarden.ngs.org.uk, using the garden reference for Maesmynis.
These openings form part of the National Garden Scheme's wider programme, which raises funds for nursing and health charities and showcases a range of private and community green spaces. For those seeking a local day out this month, the combination of community gardens, specialist cultivation and a scenic village setting offers a variety of experiences across Powys.
