 Located in the north of Wales, Bodnant Garden is a stunning masterpiece of planting and landscaping. Split into two areas, the first is centred around Bodnant hall. A wonderful manor house, which while unfortunately not open to the public, still provides the perfect backdrop for the ponds and well tended terraces. The second area, known as ‘The Dell’, is set in a small valley and conveys a wilder style of gardening, providing a picturesque woodland walk.
 As you enter the gardens follow the path to the left and you’ll come to the ‘Laburnum Arch’. This is a wonderful tunnel of yellow flowers around late spring, early summer. Continuing on through the tunnel and around a series of flowerbeds will bring you to the front lawn of Bodnant Hall, providing a great view of the house. Winding through the paths, keeping to the right, will bring you through an arch onto the ‘Lily Terrace’. A wonderful pool looking up at the house, with views of the Snowdonia range behind.
 Taking the steps up to the house will see you to the ‘Upper Rose Terrace’ and to a wonderful selection of roses for your smelling pleasure. Continuing on will bring you to the ‘Canal Terrace’ and intriguingly titled ‘Pin Mill’. Again, you are not allowed entrance into the structure, so it is just for scenic purposes. From here it is down into ‘The Dell’.
 As you look down into the valley, you get a scene of the scale of planting that has gone into this garden. Many of the plants and even trees have been imported from around the world, giving this place a rather unique look and feel. Strolling alongside the Hiraethlyn River, over bridges, in the midst of mighty Californian Redwoods, you eventually reach a small waterfall over which you walk. This marks the furthest most point into the garden.
Crossing over the waterfall you ascend out of valley and out of the Dell. As you climb you will notice a structure perched on the edge of the cliff above. This is ‘The Poem’ a family Mausoleum. At the time of writing, this was being renovated, so I am unable to say much more. Following the paths will take you back to Bodnant Hall, and completing your journey through the garden.
Visit www.bodnantgarden.co.uk for more infomation.
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