THIS weekend sees the final garden opening of 2018 in the glow of Autumn colour... and with chocolate!

After a great summer visiting wonderful gardens across the county you can enjoy wonderful shades of red, orange and gold at Glansevern Hall.

Opening specially for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday, October 21, acres of garden and parkland on the banks of the River Severn surround the Greek revival house (not open).

Entrance to the gardens is from an elegant Georgian courtyard through the Ginkgo gates into the original walled garden. This was remodelled in 2001 and divided into themed “rooms”, including a rose garden and kitchen garden. Beyond the shelter of the walls, you’ll find a Victorian Grotto and orangery, lawns, woodland and a huge lake and water garden fed from the Montgomeryshire canal. Many unusual and ancient specimen trees surround the lake with stunning autumnal colour.

If that is not enough Coco Pzazz, the award-winning Powys based chocolate producer, will be opening the doors on their first Chocolate Shop in the Courtyard on 21st October 2018. To mark the event, there will be special offers and a free truffle with each hot drink purchased at the Potting Shed Cafe.

Lori Whinn, founder of Coco Pzazz, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our Chocolate Experience at Glansevern. I’ve always loved the courtyard and I am excited about this new chapter in our development.” The Chocolate Shop at the Old Stables will be the centre for the Coco Pzazz series of chocolate experiences and workshops as well as containing a retail area for the company’s growing range of chocolate and fudge. The Coco Pzazz factory and warehouse will remain at Caersws, Powys.

Glansevern Hall Gardens are at Berriew, SY21 8AH; open from 10:30am to 5pm. Admission to the gardens: Adult £7.50, Child £3.50. Remember by visiting the garden on this day you are helping to raise funds for the caring charities supported by the National Garden Scheme. These include Macmillan, Hospice UK and Marie Curie.

In addition to these, there are four gardens which open by arrangement during October so you can get together with a group of friends and visit at a time to suit you. So, whether you are a group of gardeners, photographers or have a special occasion you want to share with friends why not book a visit to one of our gardens at a time to suite you! Or, if you are not part of an organised group but still wish to visit one of our ‘By arrangement gardens’, get in touch with the garden owner; they might be able to add you to a group already visiting.

Gardens open by arrangement during October

(please contact owner to arrange a visit)

Plas Dinam, Llandinam, SY17 5DQ tel. 07415 503554

12 acres of parkland, set at the foot of glorious rolling hills, spectacular views across Severn Valley. Glorious autumn colours.

Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, LD1 6NB tel. 01597 860190

Among the loveliest in mid Wales; 6 acres of garden with sweeping views down the Wye Valley. Woodland with specimen trees, large herbaceous and shrub borders and a water garden.

Fraithwen, Tregynon, SY16 3EW tel. 01686 650307

1½ acre plantswoman’s garden with rare plants for year-round interest; carpets of cyclamen in September.

Caer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells, LD2 3NP tel. 01982 552601

27 acres of mature parklands, with the River Irfon bordering the property. Tree Trails to help you explore the grounds; children can fill in the pamphlet: 'Can you identify birds in the grounds' and play Pooh Sticks from a suspension bridge across the river!

Editors Notes:

National Garden Scheme

• Since its foundation in 1927, The National Garden Scheme has donated over £50 million to its beneficiaries

• Charities supported by the National Garden Scheme include the Queen’s Nursing Institute, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Perennial, Parkinson’s UK and MS Society. Further donations are also made.

• Registered Charity 1112664

• www.ngs.org.uk

Coco Pzazz

• Founded by Lori Whinn; launched at Speciality & Fine Food in London.in 2013

• Rural Foodies Limited – Coco Pzazz, The Village Workshops, Station Road, Caersws, SY17 5NA

• cocopzazz.co.uk