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Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration

Monday, 3 August 2026 12:25

By Nathan Spackman

The Edwardian rose garden at Dyffryn Gardens has been fully restored after ten years of work — and this summer it is in full bloom once more.

The garden has been restored using Thomas Mawson’s original plans and photographs from the early 1900s, with the project involving the reconstruction of hedges, beds and pathways, along with the selection of resilient, disease‑resistant plants designed to last.

A spokesperson for Dyffryn Gardens said: “Guided by Thomas Mawson’s original design and photographs from the early 1900s, the team has carefully rebuilt the hedges, beds, pathways and planting. Every detail, from the disease-resistant box hedging to the improved soil, was chosen with long-term resilience in mind.

“The restoration itself tells a local story as 1,146 pieces of stone, found in nearby farm fields during ploughing, were hand-sorted and prepared by volunteers over 407 hours across 10 weeks.

“Now, David Austin roses fill the garden with fragrance, a rich colour wheel of roses which range from fuchsia to a soft blush pink, through to peach, lemon and bright white. The beautiful display could continue to bloom into early October and will continue to mature each year.”

Chris Flynn, National Trust Cymru’s head gardener for south-east Wales, said: “We were inspired by Thomas Mawson’s original design. Our goal was to blend our existing historical research with innovative horticultural practice and create a garden which will continue to flourish for many years.”

Lizzie Smith Jones of National Trust Cymru added: “Our lives are so busy, and we want Dyffryn Gardens to be a space where people can truly pause, take a breath and reconnect with nature in this breathtaking space. Truly stop and smell the roses!”

More information is available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens.

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