Dyffryn Fernant Garden

About the garden

Owned by

Christina Shand & David Allum

Dyffryn Fernant is a wonderful surprise. For more than two decades, this modern garden has grown out of the ancient landscape, presided over by the rocky tor of Garn Fawr. The garden draws its inspiration from its environment, sitting between the Preselli Hills and the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline.

The success of this six-acre garden is that it works as a whole despite having so many distinct areas. The walled front garden is a flamboyant burst of colour and seasonal container planting. The brickyard display includes intersectional peonies and agapanthus contrasting with the ordered topiary. The orchard has an unusual long herbaceous border, given the high-water table, and leads out onto a species-rich marsh on the valley floor. The courtyard, planted over stony ground, is a mix of exotic, architectural foliage and succulents. This leads us into the lush bog garden, merging into the valley and anchored by a mirrored obelisk.

Nicky's Field, a geometric display of ornamental grasses within a natural meadow, slopes down to a large pond, with paths and seating areas in the woodland beyond. Lastly, climbing to the Magic Garden above the house reveals the complete landscape.

Open to the public through three seasons, the garden offers colour, foliage and form throughout, with a succession of jewels, from the magnificent spring tulips and blossom, right through to the dahlias, salvias and autumn colour. The wide variety of environments combine to create a garden that unfolds as you journey through it. An abundance of sitting places, including a well-stocked garden library with hot drinks available, invites visitors to take their time. You can investigate this place from different angles and perspectives, bring your own beliefs, thoughts and feelings to your experience of the garden.