Introduction
This small walled garden on a south-facing precipice was created for Mariamne Johnes as a secret retreat and botanical space. It included a moss house and an ornamental urn by Thomas Banks, inscribed with sentimental verse by Samuel Rogers. No original plantings survive, although later exotic plants include ginkgo, yellow buck-eye and hiba.
Hafod Uchtryd, 12 miles south-east of Aberystwyth, is recognised as one of the finest examples in Europe of a Picturesque landscape.
Its most celebrated owner, Thomas Johnes (1748-1816), built a new house in this remote location and laid out its grounds in a manner suited to displaying its natural beauties in sympathy with the 'Picturesque principles' fashionable at the time, with circuit walks allowing the visitor to enjoy a succession of views and experiences. Johnes also used the land for farming, forestry, and gardening, in each case trying out new ideas and experimental methods. Hafod became an essential destination for the early tourist in Wales.
Today the Hafod estate occupies some 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and surrounding hills. Most is owned by Natural Resources Wales who, in partnership with the Hafod Trust, is managing a conservation and restoration project with public and private funding."
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01974282568Access contact details
www.hafod.org/ 01974 282568
Directions
www.hafod.org/directions.html
Owners
Forestry Commission (Welsh Assembly)
Other Websites
- History
Period
- 18th Century (1701 to 1800)
- Late 18th Century (1775 to 1799)
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW (Dy) 50 (CER)
- Grade: I
Plant Environment
- Environment
- Walled Garden
Style
Informal
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Plant Environment
Environment
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
0.25
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Ysbyty Ystwyth
- References
References
- Macve, J., The Hafod Landscape An Illustrated History and Guide (Ystrad Meurig, 2004) The Hafod Landscape
Contributors
Jennifer Macve