Poison Garden

We attended the Summer Fayre at Bryngwen Hall last weekend, where they have a token area set aside for rewilding, which is shown in this photo

There were many stalls selling nick-nacks and food, but the garden tour was the highlight of the visit. It included a poison garden featuring 115 plants - mandrake, monkshood, poppy, hemlock and many others. We heard about mad honey from bees feeding on rhododendrons in Nepal that has some intoxicating properties. 

The head gardener shared fascinating stories of some of the older iconic trees on the 60 acre estate, many of which were sourced from exotic corners of the world - Bhutan, Chile, Sikkim and Northern India. This was back in the day when rich people took home many treasures and exotica from other parts of the world to have for themselves, no matter the cost.

This dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) was thought extinct for many years until a specimen was found in western China in 1944, so it became a source for its seeds. This is a fast growing ornamental tree that has become popular as a garden feature since its rediscovery.

I was very pleased to make the acquaintance of the majestic Welsh oak, or sessile oak (Quercus petraea), an unofficial emblem of Wales. It has a commanding presence in the garden

This stand of irises was striking in the sun

The well-groomed grounds are peaceful and seemingly endless

Since this outing, I've come down with my first Welsh chest cold - I'm inexperienced with being unwell  since I haven't had to deal with a virus since the COVID lockdown (that's 6 years!). I hate feeling miserable and tired all the time, and the crackle in my ears is driving me nuts!