A fresh botanical garden, established in the United Kingdom after nearly 2 centuries, marks a milestone of 25 years in existence.
In Close Proximity to its 25th Anniversary, National Botanic Garden of Wales Shines Bright
The National Botanic Garden of Wales (NBGW) in Carmarthenshire marks a significant milestone this week - 25 years since its opening on May 24, 2000. Known for its striking hilly terrain and the impressive domed glasshouse, the NBGW ushered in the new millennium and introduced a distinct contemporary botanical retreat amidst the lush Tywi Valley, in between the historic towns of Carmarthen and Llandeilo.
When established, the NBGW was the first new botanical garden to emerge in the UK in almost two centuries. It offered a variety of garden landscapes along with expansive educational facilities. This innovative approach revitalized the local tourism scene, subsequently positioning the area as a prime destination for explorers and green enthusiasts. Over the last quarter century, its significant contributions to botanical science and conservation have flourished.
Formerly the Middleton Estate, owned by the influential figure Sir William Paxton of the East India Company, the area underwent notable enhancement during the late 18th century with landscaping elements, such as a serene lake-land water park, a neoclassical mansion, Middleton House, and a picturesque folly. However, it met a dramatic decline by the early 20th century, with the mansion amidst ruins due to a devastating fire in 1931.
The foundation for the contemporary botanic gardens was firmly laid with a visionary initiative led by artist William Wilkins, under the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust's guidance. Funding was secured from the Millennium Commission, which also funded other massive undertakings like Cardiff's Principality Stadium and the Eden Project in Cornwall, effectively converting Sir Paxton's private playground into a modern, publically accessible center of botanical science and education.
This transformation saw ample space for diverse plant collections, an arboretum, Japanese, kitchen gardens, bog and boulder gardens, as well as a series of channels accommodating varied perennial displays. Refurbished facilities include the stable block that was reimagined as a welcoming cafe and store, and the meticulously restored walled garden, offering a rare example of its dual-skinned architecture with insulating outer and inner walls, overseen by a team of dedicated gardeners.
The crowning jewel, The Great Glasshouse, designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, was a pioneering architectural marvel upon its unveiling - the world's largest single-span glasshouse. International recognition grew for its immersive botanical reserve, noteworthy for its sustainable practices like rainwater collection, biomass heating, and energy optimization. Winding pathways across 3,500 square meters of terraced slopes, graveled scree, and meandering walkways guide visitors through eco-regions around the world, showcasing a panoply of extraordinary flora from Australia and South Africa to the Mediterranean and the Canary Isles, ensuring the glasshouse remains the hub of fascination for visitors.
On a personal note, I have watched the NBGW germinate from infancy to maturity. Located only a short distance from my family home, my memories of its initial construction phase abound with the excitement of touring the construction site in my youth, eager to witness the framework emerge from the earth. My grandmother participated in the early stages as a volunteer gardener, installing plants along the verdurous borders. Years later, my fascination for the natural world cultivated a career in gardening; I offered my time to the same evolving borders, where I learned the intricacies of splitting and multiplying perennials. I recall that time as the commencement of my own horticultural journey, with a sense of nostalgia for the tranquil rural cycle rides that led me to the garden.
Since then, the garden has undergone extensive changes, with Pasxton's bucolic landscapes gradually mingling with the main body of the garden. Restorations have breath new life into the natural areas along the estate's periphery, including the renovation of woodland trails and the revitalization of Paxton's waterfalls and ponds. Other landmark developments encompass the innovative collecting of Welsh flora DNA, making Wales the world's first country to compile such genetic data for all its native flowering plants and conifer species. 2018 saw the addition of the British Bird of Prey Centre, allowing visitors intimate encounters with indigenous raptor species. Furthermore, the kid-friendly Gruffalo Trail, zip-wire playground, tropical house, and winding water course continue to entertain young visitors during their visit.
In an interview with NBGW director Dr. Lucy Sutherland this week, she shared ambitious plans for the garden's future, with a focus on welcoming younger audiences to experience the garden and its educational programs. 'Our vision is to engage all children across Wales with the garden, with plants and with nature,' said Sutherland. She highlighted the garden's unique learning program, which educates over 11,000 school children annually, and spoke about extending this outreach program to less accessible areas in Wales. Moreover, she underlined the importance of supporting teachers to teach about topics such as biodiversity and the integral connection between nature, culture, and heritage in Wales.
In terms of plant conservation, the NBGW's objective is the implementation of a living native plant collection, which will illustrate the diversity of Welsh habitats - from coastal cliffs to highland peaks. Reflecting on the State of Nature report, Dr. Sutherland stresses that plant species in the UK are on a decline, with about 58 endemic Welsh species that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Therefore, the garden's safeguarding efforts involve gathering wild-provenance seed, researching its growth, and collaborating with partners to promote species recovery. In addition, the garden aims to expand its living collection to help build connections between people, Welsh culture, and heritage.
Overall, the garden is a breathtaking haven of natural beauty, from the vibrant euphorbias and rockroses in the boulder garden to the tranquil ambiance of the Japanese garden, shrub beds, and whitebeam grove. For these reasons, it remains one of Wales's top tourist attractions. As the garden enters the next phase of its existence, it has organized captivating events this summer, including the biodiversity-boosting "BioBlitz Festival" in July and various exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Here's to the garden's next magnificent 25 years!
Matt CollinsMatt Collins is an award-winning landscape, travel, and garden writer and the head gardener at the Garden Museum in London. His articles appear in prestigious publications such as The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph, Gardens Illustrated, Lonely Planet, and Wallpaper Magazine. Matt's musings revolve around the intricate intersection of cultivated and wild environments, as reflected in his 2019 book, "Forest, Walking Among Trees" (Pavilion), which traces a transcontinental path of interconnected trees and their wondrous native counterparts.
The historic gardens of the National Botanic Garden of Wales have fostered a sustainable-living lifestyle, creating an appreciation for home-and-garden endeavors among its guests. The Garden's contributions extend beyond botanical science, transcending into innovative educational programs and offerings, such as gardening workshops and programs for children, instilling a lasting connection between its visitors and the natural world.
Moreover, the National Botanic Garden of Wales continues to expound on its mission of conservation through initiatives like the cultivation of a living native plant collection and district-wide regeneration projects, simultaneously elevating the importance of sustainable living and rejuvenating historic landscapes.
