The popular Ninfarium indoor garden at Aberglasney House and Gardens has had something of a makeover.
During the summer, Aberglasney head gardener Joseph Atkin and his staff have been working hard to establish new and interesting plants in the garden, which sits right at the breathing heart of Aberglasney.
“The Ninfarium is always a popular spot with visitors. It’s an unique place created out of the ruins of the old central rooms and courtyard of the mansion house,” said Mr Atkin.
“It is also unique in the fact it has its own temperate and sub-tropical climate, sitting under a splendid glass atrium.
“This gives us wonderful opportunities to be creative with the plants we are able to put on display.
“The climate and the conditions lend themselves to displaying the rare and very unusual and we have been busy this summer creating new displays which will be appreciated by both new visitors and regular visitors to the gardens.”
Mr Atkin said: “Since March the Ninfarium has gone through quite a change – large amounts of the green canopy have been pruned to allow in more light. This has been done to allow for more planting at ground level.
“There have been two phases of plant – the first in April and the second in August.
“The first was done to add a variety of foliage and develop the collection of Aroids which are noted for their foliage and sometimes spectacular flowers.
“The second phase of planting was aimed at improving colour for this a collection of newly-bred Streptocarpus have been added.
“The Crystal series Streptocarpus has only recently been introduced from abroad by the Dibley Family Nursery in South Wales. Their biggest strength is their ability to flower almost all year. The flowers are slightly smaller and more subtle and come in colour range that is very adaptable allowing them to be combined together.
“A large number of rare and unusual Begonia and Impatiens (Bizzy Lizzy) have also been added. These plants come in range of colours and foliage forms quite different to those normally seen. Unlike the common bedding and house plants they are perennial and quite cold tolerant. Eventually, many will be trialled outside in the gardens to test for hardiness.
“A total of nearly 100 new plant varieties’ have been introduced to the Ninfarium during the second phase of planting with around 30 other introductions in phase 1. The aim is to increase biodiversity and improve the year round interest and colour.”
The Ninfarium was created in 2005 as a home for warm temperate and sub-tropical plants including Orchids, Palms, Magnolias and Cycads.
Just a year after it was built, the Ninfarium won a national Horticulture Week award for the Best Garden Design/Construction Project.
The name Ninfarium refers to the amazing gardens at Ninfa, which are situated south of Rome. The garden at Ninfa has been imaginatively planted within the ruins of a medieval village.
There is an interesting link between South Wales and the gardens at Ninfa.
The Ninfa gardens were created by the Caetani family. Marguerite Caetani gave financial support to the Welsh Poet Dylan Thomas and her help and interest resulted in the first version of the celebrated Play for Voices, Under Milk Wood.
For more information about Aberglasney Gardens, visit http://www.aberglasney.org
Photograph: The Ninfarium at Aberglasney
