Orchids are among the most popular gifts received in the UK. They are perfect for any kind of occasion and widely available. To find out more about these remarkable plants why not attend the Welsh Orchid Festival, being held at Aberglasney Gardens next month.
The 15th Welsh Orchid Festival, organised by the Orchid Study Group, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 3 September 2023. As well as learning about rare species and popular hybrid orchids, visitors will also be able to purchase orchids, carnivorous plants, orchid companion plants and botanical paintings.
Jim Stribling, Aberglasney’s Director of Operations, said, “We are delighted to be once again hosting the annual Welsh Orchid Festival on behalf of the Orchid Study Group, who meet regularly at Aberglasney. We hope visitors to the Gardens will enjoy this unique orchid experience.”
The Orchid Study Group was established in 2005 to provide a focus for orchids and their study in Wales. This region of Wales has a long and rich orchid history. Penllergare was home to the pioneer photographer and orchid grower John Dillwyn Llewelyn; son of the famous botanist and owner of the Swansea Pottery, Lewis Weston Dillwyn.
It was here in Wales that John built a green house, and it was here also that tropical orchids were grown for the first time ever under semi-natural conditions. Newly discovered orchids flowered here for the first time and it is probable that John was the first to record them by means of photography. Even today, the name of this influential family is commemorated in the names of orchids such as Eria dillwynii.
Lynne Harrendence, Secretary of the Orchid Study Group and co-organiser of the Welsh Orchid Festival said, “We are looking forward to holding, once again, our annual Festival at Aberglasney. It is the perfect backdrop for our event. We hope that all those who enjoy growing orchids will come along and visit us during the weekend-long event.”
Aberglasney’s visitors are able to enjoy the beauty of a range of orchids in the tropical indoor Garden called the Ninfarium. The all-year-round collection is predominantly made up of Cymbidium orchids. They work brilliantly amongst the ruined interior walls of the mansion.
Entrance to the Welsh Orchid Festival is free of charge, however, normal admission fees to Aberglasney do apply. The Festival will be open from 10am until 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on the Sunday.
