Llowes Court, nr Hay on Wye, Powys

 

Hays on the Way!  I visited the Hay Festival last year, Hay Festival which has grown and grown since its inception nearly 25 years ago. In that time the town itself has also changed from a sleepy town famed for its book shops to one filled with expensive antique, gift and clothes boutiques.

Its a beautiful place, perched on a hill overlooking the Wye and the rich lush farmland of the Marches. Like many other border towns, it has managed to conserve its fantastic architectural heritage. Its strange to think that these towns which were were fought over so fiercely between Welsh princes and Norman lords for years, seem to have stood the test of time and are better preserved than many other towns in Wales and England.

An early morning walk along the Wye to Hay from Llowes was definitely one of the highlights. A 3 mile stroll between emerald fields of cereals, rows of potatoes and bright, yellow rape and the lazily, meandering river Wye. The only company being the ancient oaks and weeping willows, low flying herons and startled ducklings.

But the best experience  by far was a visit to Llowes Court, a medieval house, situated near the bank of the Wye. This yellow washed gem is home to the inspirational Susan Briggs, who has transformed a working farm and builder's yard into one of the most amazing gardens in Wales.

Not once was a tape measure used in the planning of the garden, she paced and paced the surrounding land, bringing it all to life in her imagination. Transforming her dream into reality. Creating magical grottoes, willow mazes, box sculptures, wooden bridges that hover between earth and air. Paths, pools and running water entice you into a labyrinth of willow and a rose scented walled garden that you never want to escape from.

Herbs, vegetables and flowers sit snugly in their box hedged beds. A gate, sculptured to look like a fig tree deceives the eye. An ancient pillared ruin in a dark hollow, surrounded by ferns and gunneras looks like some exotic slice of central America. The lines of poplars and light become an optical illusion. There are no blousey rhododendroms and other flamboyant plants you see in the gardens of large country houses, all is subtle but stunning.

The original family of Llowes were the Fychaniaid (Vaughans) whose court was praised in a poem by the late medieval bard, Lewys Dwnn. Mrs Briggs deserves such an accolade, her garden is a paradise regained.

Mrs Briggs

The garden is only open to the public on special occasions to raise money for good causes, - motorbikes for Timbuktu in this case. But keep an eye out for Llowes this year, if you are in the area. It's an opportunity not to be missed.