Colby Woodland Garden facts for kids
Colby Woodland Garden is a beautiful woodland garden managed by the National Trust. It's tucked away in a quiet valley, about three-quarters of a mile north of Amroth in Pembrokeshire, Wales. This special garden is a wonderful place to explore nature and enjoy peaceful walks.
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Discovering Colby Woodland Garden
Colby Woodland Garden covers about 8 acres (3.2 ha) of land. This includes woodlands, open meadows, and charming walled gardens. It's a fantastic spot to see many different plants and flowers.
What Plants Grow Here?
You can find a variety of colorful plants throughout the year. Some of the beautiful flowers you might spot include:
- Bright azaleas
- Pretty bluebells
- Elegant camellias
- Cheerful daffodils
- Stunning magnolias
- Large rhododendrons
The meadow areas are also full of lovely wildflowers, adding to the garden's natural beauty.
Things to Do and See
Colby Woodland Garden offers more than just plants! It's a great place for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Visitor Facilities
When you visit, you'll find several helpful facilities:
- A National Trust shop where you can buy souvenirs.
- A second-hand bookshop, perfect for finding a new read.
- A cozy tearoom for snacks and drinks.
- Clean toilets for visitors.
Fun Events and Activities
Throughout the year, Colby Woodland Garden hosts various events. These often include fun activities for families. You might get to try pond-dipping, which is a great way to discover tiny creatures living in the water. There are also family games and other exciting things to do.
The main house at Colby Lodge is not open to the public for tours. However, some rooms in the house are available to rent for overnight stays.
A Look Back at Colby's History
The story of Colby Woodland Garden goes back a long way. It began as a farmhouse in the 1700s and grew into the beautiful estate we see today.
From Farmhouse to Lodge
The original building was an 18th-century farmhouse called Rhydlangoed. In 1803, the Colby family, who owned coal mines in Pembrokeshire, bought the property. They expanded the farmhouse and turned it into Colby Lodge. Over the years, the property changed hands and was altered several times.
The Garden's Creation
In the 1870s, the Kay family purchased the estate. The woodland gardens, which are a main feature today, were mostly created in the early 1900s. This work was done by Colonel and Mrs. Crosland, with Mrs. Crosland being a member of the Kay family. They put a lot of effort into designing and planting the beautiful gardens.
Joining the National Trust
After Mrs. Crosland passed away, her niece, Elidyr Mason, inherited the property. In 1965, the house and the walled garden were sold to Pamela and Peter Chance. However, Elidyr Mason kept the woodland garden and the rest of the estate.
When Elidyr Mason died in 1979, she left her part of the estate to the National Trust. The Chances also decided to transfer the ownership of the house and walled garden to the National Trust in the same year. This was a wonderful step, as it reunited all the different parts of the Colby estate under one management, ensuring it would be preserved for everyone to enjoy.
