LIVE music, guided tours and award-winning flowers are set to entertain thousands of visitors to Clyne Gardens in May.
The activities and floral displays have been organised to celebrate the Clyne in Bloom festivities that run throughout the month every year.
Swansea Council is behind the festival as part of the new Enjoy Swansea Bay campaign. Easy-to-follow maps are available at the entrance to the gardens and fingerposts are up to point to the way to all the attraction’s highlights.
Cllr Mark Child, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Healthy City, said: “There’s no better sight than Clyne Gardens in May when the award-winning Rhododendrons and Azaleas are in full bloom.
“The combination of live music with guided tours and the chance to explore the tranquillity and beauty of the attraction will appeal to people of all ages. With over 2,000 different species of plants and a variety of wildlife, Clyne Gardens is one of the best facilities of its kind in the UK. Enormous credit should go to our parks department who work so hard behind the scenes to ensure the attraction is at its best for the arrival of many thousands of visitors every May and the rest of the year, too.
“Year-round attractions of this kind are important because they contribute so much to the fantastic work-life balance that Swansea is renowned for.”
Guided tours led by expert gardeners start at 2pm every Wednesday and Sunday throughout May. The tours give an insight to the work that goes on behind the scenes and offer tips for aspiring gardeners.
Live music on stage will take place every Sunday during May from 3pm to 5pm. Morriston Big Band, the Swansea Concert Band, the Accordion Orchestra, the Loughor Town Band and the Constellation Big Band have all been confirmed to perform.
A rare plant sale will also be held from 10am to 4pm on Sunday May 17.
Clyne Gardens overlooks Swansea Bay. It was created by industrialist William Graham Vivian, who purchased the Clyne Castle in 1860 before it was passed to his nephew, known as the Admiral, in 1921.
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/clyneinbloom for more information.
Top 10 highlights of Clyne Gardens
1: The Gazebo
The gazebo was built as a look-out for the Admiral to view the incoming ships as they entered Swansea Bay.
2. Japanese Bridge
One of the famous features of Clyne Gardens is the Japanese Bridge. Water rises in Clyne Common, travels under the Japanese Bridge and through the gardens to join the sea at Blackpill.
3. Bluebell Wood
A natural flowering spectacle, the Bluebell Wood grows under the shade of the Turkey Oaks.
4. Joy Cottage
Joy Cottage was built as a miniature cottage for the amusement and education of the Admiral’s daughters. Here they were taught by nannies to read, write and cook.
5. Italian Bridge
A one-time water feature of the castle grounds, the Italian Bridge survives in isolation with the plinths that originally supported marble statues.
6. Clyne Chapel
Built by William Graham Vivian and opened for worship in 1908. Beneath it, in a private vault, Graham Vivian, his sister Dulcie and the Admiral are buried.
7. Dog Graves
Near the St Catwg’s Walk entrance to Clyne Gardens are small dogs to commemorate the Admiral’s family pets.
8. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Clyne Gardens are famous for their colourful Azaleas and Rhododendrons which are the most photographed plants in the gardens.
9. Bog Garden
The Bog Garden is home to the giant leaf rhubarb which can grow to eight foot tall. It’s the largest leaved herbaceous plant grown in Europe.
10. The Tower
The Tower was originally built as a viewing tower for the Admiral to overlook his collection of Rhododendrons, and out towards the sea.
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