About the garden
Owned by
Picton Castle Trust
Picton Castle Gardens is a 13th-century castle surrounded by 60 acres of gardens in the Pembrokeshire National Park. Run by a registered charity, it has one of the largest collections of cultivated plants in West Wales, where exotic species co-exist with native flora.
In March, there are daffodils to be seen everywhere, and in April, a Peep-In-Walk provides rich diversity and colour. May peaks with the flowering of masses of rhododendrons, many bred at Picton. The historic, recently renovated Walled Garden follows with treasures such as a Myrtus avenue, Crinodendron and Eucryphia. New introductions of hydrangeas and fresh plantings help complement and provide autumn colour.
The winter garden is a relatively new addition and features stunning fiery red and orange dogwood. To the west of the castle are the avenues, dominated by two giant redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and two 300-year-old oaks. Rarities include the world's largest Rhododendron 'Old Port', Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans Compacta' (a conifer like a miniature forest) and a fine Metasequoia glyptostroboides (presumed extinct until rediscovered in China in 1941).
Other features include the jungle garden, the majestic dew pond and the fernery. There is also the new Walled Garden Heritage Centre, with its glasshouse and medicinal herb collection. A full day can be spent, ambling through the various areas of the gardens and enjoying the peaceful serenity and year-round interest that Picton has to offer.
Please note: This garden is partially accessible.
