The gardener, named John, is a seasoned professional with a passion for horticulture and a knack for working at heights. He’s been tasked with maintaining the hedges of the historic castle, which are renowned for their beauty and historical significance. John’s work is a testament to his dedication and skill, as he carefully navigates the cherry picker, ensuring the hedges are trimmed to perfection.
Dan said: “It’s a bit scary when we first start cutting them, but after trimming them for several years, I have got used to it.” Despite the height, he likens the job to trimming an ordinary garden hedge – albeit much higher up. He added: “Basically it’s like cutting your hedge at home just a bit higher up in the air. The garden here is pretty spectacular. “I get a great sense of achievement when it’s all finished, and the tumps are back to the shape that our visitors, staff, and volunteers admire so much.” Standing proud and spilling over the Italianate terrace, the yews have survived changes in style, fashion, and design over hundreds of years.
The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway (WLLR) is a unique railway that has become a popular tourist attraction. It’s a heritage railway, meaning it’s preserved for its historical significance and operates on a regular schedule. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the past.
Lady Violet, the wife of the fourth Earl of Powis, who was responsible for restoring the gardens, said they had the potential to be “the most beautiful in England and Wales.” The hedges unusual cloud-like shapes tell the story of changing fashions in the horticultural world over hundreds of years. They were originally clipped into small cones but allowed to grow more naturally and tree-like after landscape gardening became more popular by the end of the 18th century thanks to the likes of Lancelot “Capability” Brown. This lasted until formal gardening made a resurgence in the Victorian era and the yews were again clipped back giving them the unique shape visitors still see today.
