Visiting the garden at Plas Newydd

Cherry blossom tree with the House in the background — Blossom at Plas Newydd | © Paul Harris

The Grade-I listed landscape at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, consists of 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland.

Pink rhododendrons at Plas Newydd — Rhododendrons at Plas Newydd | © Ffion Roberts

Spring in the garden at Plas Newydd

Spring arrives early at Plas Newydd, with rhododendrons coming into bloom during the mild March weather, particularly in the West Indies. As the season progresses, the wonderful collection of magnolias begins to take centre stage throughout the garden. From the magnificent large pink blooms of Magnolia campbellii in the Rhododendron Garden to the delicate white flowers of Magnolia stellata (star magnolia), these early spring flowers bring a touch of elegance and beauty to the surrounding landscape.

The Rhododendron Garden reaches its peak in April and May, where a blaze of colour offers a vibrant display for weeks. Whether large or small, the shrubs are adorned with vibrant flowers, making this one of the most peaceful and serene corners of the garden. The West Indies is awash with azalea blooms in shades of orange, pink, and red, filling the air with fragrance and colour.

A garden with red and white tulips in full bloom, bordered by neatly trimmed hedges, is in front of a large, historical stone building on a cloudy day. — Tulips on the Terraces at Plas Newydd | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Tulips on the Terraces

At around Easter time, the formal gardens are transformed with over 5,000 tulip bulbs planted in the Terraces and Sunroom Courtyard. The Hot Border bursts with reds, yellows, and oranges, while the Cool Border across the way showcases softer tones of pinks, purples, and whites, with mixed colours surrounding the House.

In April, the woods that frame the garden are carpeted with thousands of bluebells, gently nodding beneath the trees as the leaves begin to unfurl. Their arrival coincides with the peak of birdsong, adding another layer of natural beauty to this wonderful time of year.