Firgrove has an acre and a half of mature garden with a mainly east facing slope that is exposed to the northern and southerly winds ; and at 100 metres elevation there are fine views of the hills overlooking the Vale of Clwyd. The garden has probably been developed over the last 200 years with some of the pine trees now reaching maturity, and has been extensively reworked by a series of owners over the last 50 years. During our 25 years of ownership we have tried with tree planting to provide shelter without taking away the spectacular views. Now we are elevating and pruning some of the mature ornamental trees in order to develope beneath the canopy with Hydrangeas , Hellebores, Ferns, Geraniums and Cyclamen ; so giving all year interest. Because the soil varies between limestone and neutral it is not too difficult to maintain the displays of Rhododendron, Azalea, Camellia and Magnolia in the neutral areas and we hope to gradually increase the numbers of Camellia Sasanqua as we learn to understand their requirements.For extra summer colour , Streptocarpus are planted out in some areas (these are lifted and stored frost-free for the winter). We are also trying to establish Trilliums but with limited success at present.

For the summer months we have a collection of tender exotic plants in containers outside. The Brugmansia can grow 3 metres in 5 months, and they are complemented by Abutilon, Nerium Oleander and Tibouchina but their flowering success varies with our summer weather. There are usually over 100 pots planted out around the house, with our winter display of small Pines, Firs and Pittosporum providing a foliage contrast with the exotic flowers.We are always adding to our pot collection as this is an ideal way of gaining root size before establishing in the garden.

At the end of 2008, an Alitex Glass House has been added to the south facing side of the house. This provides a better ' Winter House' for some of our 'exotics' and hopefully we will see a benefit next summer. This glass-house will change the microclimate in the adjacent garden and we now have to think about whether we can introduce more spring flowering shrubs.

For all our years at Firgrove we have gardened to encourage the birds, and the birds help us to control the pests and bugs. We never use chemical sprays or slug pellets outside -- but we do have to treat our exotic pot plants to control vine weavil when they are inside for the winter.We do not claim to garden organically but we do think that we garden carefully and with sensitivity and respect for the abundant wildlife that we enjoy watching.

New for 2009 we have entered the National Garden Scheme ( www.ngs.org.uk ) and have advertised the garden to be open only by appointment , every day , between noon and 3.00pm during the spring and summer months.

GARDENS TO VISIT NEAR FIRGROVE

Over the border in England are ARLEY HALL , TATTON PARK , CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE and NESS BOTANIC GARDEN. All these are an easy drive from Firgrove.

SPECIALIST PLANT NUSERIES

IT IS VERY EASY TO COMBINE GARDEN VISITS WITH MANY OF THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF NORTH WALES AND WE ARE ALWAYS READY TO ADVISE.