Fri, September 25th, 2020

A Garden of Romance

The Walled Garden Project

The restoration of the Walled Garden is so impressive and the work has moved on so quickly over the summer. It is quite breathtaking. The heritage Greenhouse is now in placed and is looking FABULOUS! The walls of the old cottages are repaired, the roofs are on, just waiting for some windows and doors. The restoration of the fernery is almost complete but it is at a wonderful stage where you can peep through and see the roots of the plants as if you are sharing an exotic secret!

The new Education and Learning Centre is looking like a wonderful, versatile and airy space. The conversion of the old garden’s cottage into this new space for community outreach, education and engagement is really, really exciting: we have so many plans for how the space will be used. Behind the scenes lots of research is going on in the national archives about the history of the Garden for inclusion in the new interpretation centre, which will be housed in the old Head Gardener’s Office. It really thrilling to see all this work develop, to see all the hard work of years coming to fruition and to know that this development will open up a plethora of new possibilities at Picton!

A Garden Enjoyed by All

The wider garden is looking particularly gorgeous at the moment, with the gold colours of the season and all the exotics coming into their own. It is lovely that the gardens are still being enjoyed by so many in this Autumn season. Families are still discovering our Nature Days. To keep things fresh we have new crafts, and the change in the season brings lots of different creatures out to see on our mini-beast safaris and a new nature trail. There are also new residents in the Owl Garden, such as the gorgeous cat-like Gennet.

To make the day even more enjoyable we now 4 have geocaches in the gardens for you to find as well, so do get treasure hunting!

We have had a return visit from the Pembrokeshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. This time there were a lots of people spinning, and chatting and laughing. It looks like a very sociable past-time, and you get to make lots of gorgeous yarns; hypnotic and relaxing and that is just to watch!

A Castle Made for Romance

It has been a romantic few weeks in Picton Castle as we have been able to welcome our first wedding of 2020! In line with the current health rules it was small occasion, just the closest of family and friends, which made it all the more special. The bride and groom, Samantha and Paul, their family and guests had a very romantic and personal ceremony. It is wonderful to be able to share these special occasions, and to have the Great Hall used as a place of celebration, which after all, is why it was built nearly 800 years ago.

Many congratulations to Samantha and Paul on your nuptials and we wish to the very best for your future life together!