AS LIFE took another step towards returning to normal this week, the National Garden Scheme will be reopening gardens in Mid Wales soon.

As a special treat for lovers of gardens and wildlife, a home near Builth Wells will be welcoming people back for the first time in a few years.

On Sunday, May 2 and 9, Pontsioni House in nearby Aberedw will be opening for the first time after a few years. This Wye Valley garden has a background of old ruins and steep rocky bluebell woods and walks to Aberedw Rocks.

It offers visitors access to a recently constructed small walled vegetable and fruit garden, as well as walks through a wildflower meadow along a mile of old railway line with bluebell woods and the route up to the rocks. Dogs are welcome along the old railway line.

“At long last we are able to open our gardens and raise funds for the nursing and health charities supported by the National Garden Scheme,” said publicity officer Helen Anthony.

“And we have two new(ish) gardens opening the first weekend in May. At the moment visitors need to pre-book so that we can ensure the safety of our garden owners, volunteers and visitors during their visits.

“What a wonderful start to our garden visiting season, enjoying a stunning garden and all the time knowing that you are helping to support those who care for the sick.”

The money raised will go to fund nursing and caring charities supported by the National Garden Scheme including Macmillan, Hospice UK and Marie Curie.

Further north in Powys, Cwm Farm near Forden, will also be open on May 2. Here you will find the charming 19th century farmhouse in a wooded cwm surrounded by an engaging five-acre mix of wild and cultivated garden, with bluebells, herbaceous beds, Welsh apple orchard, pond, stream, wildflower meadow, wide lawns and paths to wander and places to sit.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admission fees, teas and cake.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors the NGS have donated over £60 million to nursing and health charities, and made a donation of £2.88 million in 2020. Founded in 1927 to support district nurses, it is now the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK.

Tickets to visit Pontsioni House or Cwm Farm are available from the NGS website at ngs.org.uk. For more information, contact Helen via email helen.anthony@ngs.org.uk or call 01686 941795.