Quality is assured at Garden

The National Botanic Garden of Wales has received top marks in a test of quality for visitor attractions.

The Garden has been rated as ‘fully meriting’ the award of ‘Quality Assured Visitor Attraction’, and has been praised for its warm welcome, friendly staff and excellent venues for food and drink.

The survey was carried out by the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS) on behalf of the Welsh Government. Their assessor was particularly taken with the Great Glasshouse, Double Walled Garden and wild garden, which she described as “awash with colour”.

She also praises many other areas of the Garden, including the Gift Shop, restaurant, website, car park, Apothecaries’ Hall, ‘From Another Kingdom’ fungus exhibition and the active encouragement of recycling throughout the site.

The report goes on to highlight the homemade beetroot and apple soup available in Seasons Restaurant as “delicious; full of colour and flavour”.

Garden director Dr Rosie Plummer said: “We are very pleased to receive official confirmation that the Garden continues to hit the high standard required to achieve this recognition.”

Dr Plummer added: “It is very reassuring, too, to see the number of times the words ‘friendly’, ‘helpful’ and ‘excellent’ appear in this assessment of the Garden and its staff.”

The National Botanic Garden is open from 10am until 6pm (last entry 5pm). For more information, visit www.gardenofwales.org.uk, call 01558 667149 or email info@gardenofwales.org.uk