Spectacular gardens are often revered as much as the grand houses that they belong to, and for centuries stunning gardens have inspired daydreamers, artists and writers.

“Green fingers are the extension of a verdant heart” declared the twentieth century landscape architect and gardener, Russell Page. His clients included Prince Edward, the Duke and duchess of Windsor, fashion designer Oscar de la Renta and the National Gardens at Washington; so it could be said that he knew a thing or two about the power of gardens and the blessing of green fingers. But, worry not if you aren’t green fingered yourself, here in Snowdonia you’ll find some of the most stunning garden landscapes in the country – and this weekend’s promised forecast is the ideal weather to explore them……

From wikicommons

Gardens for purely ornamental purposes can be traced as far back as the Egyptians, and the Romans soon followed suit. It was fashionable for wealthy Romans to build exquisite walled gardens complete with water features, fancy topiary and grand arches. But after the Romans left Britain, gardening fell by the wayside. Of course, basic vegetables, fruit and grain were grown, but it wasn’t until medieval times that gardens began to become important again. Kitchen and herb gardens, medicinal gardens and vineyards were essential to monasteries and abbeys across the country, and it wasn’t long before the practice spread to domestic houses.

However, it wasn’t until the 18^th century that grand and picturesque gardens came to be a fashionable pre-requisite of grandiose stately homes. Wealthy residents of the country’s finest halls, castles and large houses went to enormous lengths to create gardens that impressed as much as the house.

Capability Brown was one of the most famous gardeners of this era; indeed he is often referred to as “England’s greatest gardener”. He designed 170 parks and gardens, many of which survive to this day, and his passion was for creating gardens that were truer reflections of the natural world that surrounded them; a huge change from the formal, manicured gardens that had been previously fashionable.

Wynnstay Hall near Wrexham in North Wales, Weston Park in Staffordshire, Cardiff Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Blenheim Palace all boast Capability Brown gardens (he was so named because he apparently advised all his clients that their gardens had “great capability for improvement”).

Today, Britain is often referred to as a “nation of gardeners”, and we not only enjoy pottering in our own outside spaces, but we love to get out and visit some of the country’s finest gardens, parks and green spaces. So, choose a sunny summer day, pack a picnic and let’s go and explore some of the finest gardens of Snowdonia.

Here is our pick:

• Portmeirion – The wonderfully labyrinthine gardens of Portmeirion are the perfect mix of formal gardens and natural landscapes. The village gardens are an organised riot of Mediterranean inspired colourful flowers and carefully planted exotic shrubs, yet these are surrounded by 70 acres of rambling woodland, known as Y Gwyllt (the “wild”).
• Bodnant Garden in Conwy is a bit further from the Oakeley Arms than nearby Portmeirion, but well worth the drive. You’ll find a riot of summer flowers here, along with formal gardens, terraces and a stunning selection of world plants.
• Plas Newydd  – the gardens of this stately home on Anglesey boast their own Australian arboretum, as well as stunning views and a catkin garden.
• Plas Tan y Bwlch – you’ll find some beautiful gardens right here next door to the Oakeley Arms. Plas Tan y Bwlch’s stunning gardens include a water garden, a Japanese garden, a fern nursery, an azalea walk and a wildlife garden, all teeming with unusual and exotic plants.
• Plas yn Rhiw, Llyn Peninsula – the former home of poet RS Thomas, Plas yn Rhiw is a riot of colour and beautiful blooms in summer. The views are pretty spectacular too!
• Plas Brondanw, Llanfrothen – just a hop and a skip from the Oakeley Arms, the home of Portmeirion creator Clough Williams Ellis is absolutely stunning, and encompasses the architects life work. The beautiful gardens include yew trees and an orangery.

            So, small or large; rambling, neat, wild or tame, we can all rejoice in the beautiful gardens of the Welsh coast this Spring; try one of our lovely walks and enjoy a gorgeous garden wander.