Anglesey - Day 4 Tuesday 18th June - Part 1: Early Morning Walk and Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

On Tuesday B and D did the one and only early morning walk to Llangoed to buy the newspapers. I think it was further than they thought!

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They spotted this Painted Lady on the path near the cottage where we were staying - by the time I got out to look for it it had disappeared! :(

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We spent most of Tuesday at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens which are located between Beaumaris and Menai Bridge.

In 1800 a local landowner called John Price (born in Amlwch) was appointed as Sheriff of Anglesey and agent to the Marquess of Anglesey who lived at nearby Plas Newydd. In 1779 Price married Elinor Griffin the daughter of a wealthy farmer and in 1803 after buying the estate he built a countryman's residence which he called Plas Cadnant.

The exact date when the garden was created is uncertain but it is believed the two acre sloping walled garden may have been associated with the original Cadnant farmhouse. John Price died in 1804 and it was his son, also called John, who created in the "Picturesque" style then popular, further gardens in the valley below the main walled garden and going down to the river. A network of meandering paths led through the valley woodland. The last surviving member of the family continued to live on the estate until 1928 when the house and estate were sold to a Major Thomas Fanning-Evans and his wife Maud who lived there for a few years modernising the house. But then the Major was called abroad on military service and the house and gardens were rented out and the gardens began to decline. After the major's death his son Claude and his wife Elizabeth who enjoyed gardening returned to live at the house. Although the gardens deteriorated further due a shortage of gardeners available to maintain them, Elizabeth continued to garden in a small corner of the walled garden .

In 1996 Anthony Tavernor, a Staffordshire farmer, who had the vision to see that the gardens could be restored and returned to their former glory, bought Plas Cadnant and work to restore the gardens began using historical records. The Walled Garden was completely overgrown and full of tree saplings. The garden was originally used to produce vegetables, fruit and cut flowers for the main house which would have been labour intensive so the decision was made to develop it as an ornamental garden in a simple style using a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement's attention to detail but adding features from earlier times such as fruit trees and a small cutting garden.

Work finally began on the woodland garden which was completely overgrown and it was restored in the "Picturesque" style of the early 19th century with rocky outcrops, waterfalls and trees.

The garden which covers 10 acres with over 1.5 miles of paths was opened to the public in 2011.

There are around 20 Red Squirrels amongst the woodland although sadly we failed to see any.


The main Walled Garden

Timothy did enjoy the gardens especially the ravine and woodland walk.

The double herbaceous borders with yew hedges. The borders have been planted in the style developed by Gertrude Jekyll and the varieties of plant ensure colour from Summer until the Autumn.

I think this is one of the holiday cottages located in and near the gardens. One of these cottages was on my shortlist and it would be a lovely place to stay.

The area by the well contains white flowering plants. Alpheus, the Grecian river god, looks out over the wishing pool.

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Another view of the walled garden.

You pass through a tunnel and follow a "Picturesque" path to the Jungle.

Ancient Yew

Lime tree at the centre of The Jungle

Path down to Belvedere and Ceunant (Ravine).

The Ravine contains moisture loving Alpines amongst other plants and trees.

Path down to the Lower Valley, Reflecting Pool and the River

In the Lower Valley, rocks and water play an important role. The Reflecting Pool was created during the restoration of this part of the garden after a natural spring was discovered that now trickles into it. This part of the River was originally a mill pool contained by a weir. The microclimate suits plants that thrive in a humid environment including ferns.

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Grey Wagtail on the river

Part of the Reflecting Pool

Quartz Rock

Jelly Ear Fungus

Steps leading to the Upper Valley where there is a bluebell glade and a viewing point. It is a good place apparently to spot Red Squirrels.

Final instar of Red-legged Shieldbug (thanks to Joan Brady on Twitter and Naturespot website for id help)

Upper Valley

I was thrilled to discover Wall Pennywort again.

Speedwell

Unripe Wild Arum berries

We emerged back into the main Walled Garden where there is a beautiful Raised Border.

Part of Mrs Fanning Evans' Secret Gardennin the foreground

Yucca in flower

We ate our sandwiches overlooking the main garden and bought some cake and scones from the tearoom to take home to enjoy later.


A lamb in the car park

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Sorry I got a bit carried away with the amount of photos! There will be less in part 2 which includes visits to LlanfairPG and Horatio Nelson's statue.


Reference: Gerrdi Cudd Plad Cadnant Hidden Gardens Guide book and leaflet to the gardens

*D Photos taken by my son with the Canon SX50HS bridge camera
Rest of photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera