DID you know that we have 20 gardens in Powys that open by arrangement?

Tyn y Cwm at Beulah is just one of these. By making direct contact with the garden owner, you can plan your garden visit for the day you want, at a time convenient for you, so that you and your friends can enjoy exclusive access to the garden without the crowds.

Whether you’re a group of enthusiastic amateur gardeners, a photography club looking for inspiration or entertaining family visitors, come expecting a warm welcome, a good brew and plenty of cake!

For those old enough to remember, in 1984 Tyn y Cwm was the location used for the BBC ‘Play for Today’ Z for Zachariah, starring Anthony Andrews. He sat naked and washed in the stream in March/April time, which is still remembered locally!

Today we see the garden Steve and Christine Carrow started 16 years ago and first opened for the National Garden Scheme seven years ago. Set in a valley with oak woods on both sides it provides year-round interest.

The lower garden includes a woodland area beside the small river. In spring primroses, witch hazels, hellebores, primulas, meconopsis poppies and cyclamen are in bloom.

Elsewhere, there are raised beds mixed with vegetables, fruit trees, fruit and flowers. In summer perennial borders, planted with hardy geraniums provide colour. Gravel paths lead through a pergola with approximately 25 roses and clematis growing over it. The vitacella clematis are in their prime in August.

The upper garden, partly sloped, includes a bog garden, which takes advantage of a natural spring and has numerous primulas and hostas. The spring also feeds a number of small pools below terraced slate covered beds, water gardens and perennial beds with unusual slate steps.

There is seating in numerous areas of the garden and an oak framed summer house provides shelter. And, if that is not enough, Christine’s cakes are to die for!

Tyn y Cwm can be found 10 miles west of Builth Wells at Beulah, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4TS.

To arrange a visit contact Steve and Christine Carrow by phone on 01591 620461 or e-mail [email protected]. Tyn y Cwm is also open on Sunday, June 17 and Sunday, August 5, from 2-5.30pm.

Other gardens open by arrangement (please contact the owner to arrange a visit) are: Jan-Dec: Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, LD1 6NB tel. 01597 860190; Mar-Aug: Abernant, Garthmyl SY15 6RZ tel. 01686 640494; Mar-Sep: Plas Dinam, Llandinam SY17 5DQ tel. 07415 503554; Mar-Sep: Pont Faen House, Knighton LD7 1LA tel. 01547 520847; Apr-Aug: Tyn y Cwm, Beulah, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4TS tel. 01591 620461; ay-Jul: Castell y Gwynt, Llandyssil, SY15 6HR tel. 01686 668569; May-Sep: Ceunant, Old Hall, Llanidloes, SY18 6PW tel. 01686 412345; May-Sep: Hebron, Ludlow Road, Knighton, LD7 1HP tel. 01547 529576; May-Sep: The Neuadd, Llanbedr, Crickhowell, NP8 1SP tel. 01873 812164; May-Oct: Caer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells, LD2 3NP tel. 01982 552601; May-Oct: (Thurs only) Gilwern, Beulah, LD5 4YG tel. 01591 620203.

For more details about the National Garden Schme visit www.ngs.org.uk.