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Antiques Weekend
A treasure trove of the unusual and unique with a strong Welsh flavour is set to transform the National Botanic Garden of Wales, as the Derwen Antiques Fair prepares to return.
Antiques, collectables, retro and vintage will take centre stage among the rare and endangered blooms here on Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd of July.
The Derwen Fairs flagship event has increased from just 23 stalls in the early days, to more than 100 dotted around the site including Theatr Botanica, the Garden Marquee and the impressive Regency-era Principality House.
Visitors can view Welsh art, Welsh pottery and Welsh oak furniture among the Mediterranean plants in Lord Norman Foster’s Great Glasshouse, and a vintage market will take over the entire courtyard.
The Vintage Market is a new and exciting addition to the Antiques Fair and items ranging from rare maps to rare paintings have all been found at this fair.
Organiser Brita Rogers said: “There are fewer antique fairs in Wales these days. We wanted to cater for everyone, from those interested in collecting traditional antiques to others looking for something a bit retro. We thought we would go with the times.”
The Garden and the fair are open from 10am to 6pm, with last admission at 5pm. Admission to the Garden and Fair will be £4 per person, with free parking.
Young Archaeologists’ Club
From 10am to 12noon on Saturday the 1st of July, and on the first Saturday of every month, children aged 8-16 are invited to join the Young Archaeologists’ Club to learn about archaeology and explore the Garden’s past!
The club is entirely run by volunteers and, if you are older than 16 and would like to get involved, we would be happy to hear from you. It is possible to become an assistant from the age of 16 and a leader from the age of 18, and no prior knowledge is required.
Parents are welcome to stay for the sessions.
For more information contact yacatthegarden@gmail.com or call 07484 142886.
Meadow Flower Walk
Join biologist Dr Michael Isaac for a one hour tour of the wildflowers at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, on Sunday July 2nd at 2pm.
By walking through our beautiful woodlands in Spring, and in our orchid-rich hay meadows in June, you’ll have the chance to find out how to tell the difference between a campion and a herb robert, a petal and a sepal, a creeping and a field buttercup and our four species of meadow orchid.
The tour starts from the Western Entrance of the Great Glasshouse, if you would like to hear the walks through the medium of the Welsh language, please contact us beforehand on 01558 667149.
Tywi Tune Club
Also on Sunday July 2nd, will be the Tywi Tune Club, performing music on the Great Glasshouse’s stage at 11:30am and 2pm.
Kate Rusby
Folk-singing superstar Kate Rusby is in concert at the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday July 15th.
One of the finest interpreters of traditional folk and one of the UK’s best songwriters, Kate will be on stage at the Garden from 7.30pm.
She has been nominated for the Mercury Prize, and has received awards for Folk Singer of the Year, Best Live Act, Best Album and Best Original Song at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
On the brink of a quarter century of music making, Kate Rusby released her 14th studio album Life in a Paper Boat late last year to rave reviews.
Tickets are £25 and available directly from the Garden, via EventBrite, andDerricks Music in Oxford Street, Swansea.
Natural Living Expo
With everything from reiki to reflexology, and crystals to tarot, The Natural Living Expo is a one-stop shop for a healthy and holistic life.
The event returns to the National Botanic Garden of Wales on Saturday and Sunday July 8th & 9th, boasting a real A-to-Z of complementary therapies.
Organiser Sarah Clark says: “We are very excited about coming back to the Garden; last year’s event was such a success.”
Doggy Weekend
Also on July 8th & 9th will be another of the Garden’s monthly Doggy Weekends!
Bring your pet pooch for a fabulous walk across the Garden’s 568 acres.
Please note, extendable leads are NOT permitted, you may swap yours at the Gatehouse for a non-extendable lead, and collect it as you leave.
A full list of Doggy Day and Weekend rules can be seen here.
Yr Ardd – Magazine for Members
The latest edition of the Garden’s Magazine for Members, Yr Ardd, is now available!
If you’re a Member and would like to receive a copy, or if you’d like more information on becoming a Garden Member, please contact Jane Down on 01558 667118 or jane.down@gardenofwales.org.uk
Summer Events
The Garden’s Summer 2017 Events leaflet is also now available!
Call in and pick up a copy to the see the wonderful list of events we have planned over the coming months.
Parkland Restoration Tour
To find out more about Sir William Paxton’s fabulous historic parkland and get an update on the progress of our Regency Restoration Project, join Louise Austin, the Garden’s Heritage Officer, at 2pm this Friday ,at the Western Entrance of the Great Glasshouse for a two hour guided tour.
Terrain is uneven and can often be muddy; please wear sturdy footwear.