Powis Castle in Welshpool is celebrating the National Trust’s Great Welsh Walking Festival with a free behind the scenes tour of its world famous garden.
Tours are free for National Trust members and will take place every Wednesday throughout September and October, beginning at 10.30am. Visitors will be treated to an exclusive tour of the terraced garden led by knowledgeable gardeners and volunteers.
“The gardens are breath-taking at this time year, so it’s certainly worth joining us as we reveal some of the garden’s secrets and celebrate the Great British Walking Festival,” said David Swanton, the castle’s head gardener.
Visitors will see the rich colour of the Sedums, Asters and deep blue Aconites flowering against the vibrant gold and orange of the Acers and take in the scent of burnt sugar from the Cercidiphyllums.
A highlights of the tour will be a behind the scenes look at the energy neutral nursery where plants are propagated in their dozens for both the main garden and the plant shop.
The tours are free for National Trust members and the normal entrance prices apply to non-members, however booking is essential. To book visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle or call 0844 2491895.
Picture caption:
Powis Castle in its autumn splendour.
Powis Facts:
⦁ Powis Castle began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh princes of Powys, who held onto their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours in Gwynedd and England.
⦁ In 1587, Powis was sold to Sir Edward Herbert who created the romantic long gallery which is richly decorated with the coats of arms of his ancestors.
⦁ The first Marquess of Powis was forced into exile in 1668 due to his loyalty to the deposed King James II.
⦁ In 1784, the marriage of Lady Henrietta Herbert and Edward Clive, son of Robert Clive, the conqueror of India, combined the Powis and Clive estates.
⦁ In the early 20th Century, the 4th Earl of Powis and his wife, Lady Violet, redecorated much of the castle and brought the garden back to life, introducing new varieties from all over the world.
ENDS
For further information please contact Ruth Scutter on 01938 551929. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter @NTPowisCastle
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