Today we took a short hour and a half drive into Wales. We made use of our National Trust membership to explore Bodnant Gardens. Road works around Conwy were now complete so the drive was quite pleasant with no slowdowns. When we arrived we decided to have our picnic lunch before heading into the gardens. We saw many other seniors also enjoying their packed lunches. Many of them appeared to be pros at the picnic lunch experience as they have brought their folding chairs with them to enjoy the sun.
Bodnant Gardens occupies an area of over 80 acres and was first laid out by Henry Davis Pochin, a successful industrial chemist. He laid out the gardens from 1874 until his death in 1895. The house on the grounds was built in 1792 by Pochin and was inherited by his daughter upon his death. Her husband became the first Baron Aberconway in 1911. The Garden was donated to the National Trust in 1949 by Henry McLaren the 2nd Baron of Aberconway. It is only the second garden without the house to be given to the National Trust and the garden is still managed by his descendants. Bodnant is most famous for its breeding programme, especially of varieties of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, examples of which are now grown throughout the world.
The Rhododendrons are in fully bloom at this time of the year. The colours are every bit as spectacular as on our recent trip to Holland.
While in the Canal Terrace I met two ladies discussing the merits of becoming National Trust members. I of course gave them my two cents worth and as we chat it turns out one lady of them is from Toronto. Small world for sure, we chatted a bit and then carry on with our explorations. We explored the gardens for about three hours before I started to fade. We had walked down into the valley and now have to make our way back up to head out. Fred find's the easy route out thankfully so while upwards the climb was not as steep.
Before leaving I would like to mention a grave we came across in the upper portion of the Gardens. Anne McLaren 1907 - 2007 was laid to rest where she loved to read among the beautiful Rhododendrons and Azalea's. What a fitting tribute. As well, a short distance away, there were two stone markers noting the graves for the family cats.
We headed home using secondary roads to explore the Welsh countryside. Once again we miss some photo opportunities because of the narrow roads and cars behind us. We spotted sets of twins and one set of triplets (Lambs) that are fairly young still.
We stopped at Hooton to check out a pub we have passed many times, The Chimneys. A lovely pub and one that we will return to for lunch as the menu looked great.
Hwyl am Rwan/Nawr,
Sandy & Fred