Welcome to the Garden’s latest newsletter, if you’d like to receive it directly to your inbox, register here.
See the full newsletter here.
–
Star Party
Let’s all take a long look into the night sky, with talks and demonstrations by the Swansea Astronomical Society.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is hosting a Star Party, in partnership with Swansea Astronomical Society and AstroCymru, with afternoon astronomy activities from 2pm until 5:30pm, and the Star Party from 6pm until 10pm, on Saturday, November 25th.
Afternoon astronomy activities cost £3 per child, in addition to normal Garden admission, with a Meteors & Maths (age approx. 8+) workshop running for half an hour starting at 2pm, 3pm ,4pm & 5pm. Rocket making and D2E sessions with AstroCymru will run from 2pm till 5:30pm.
The Star Party at 6pm costs £3 per child, if they have paid for the afternoon activities there won’t be a need to pay again. Accompanying adults are free but donations are welcomed. A family ticket is £6 (2 adults and up to 4 children).
For guides/scouts/brownies/cubs etc. groups, the cost for the Star Party is £3 per child, with accompanying adults free.
We will be able to explore the Moon, just past its first quarter and, if we are lucky, we might see Uranus & Neptune. We will also use Orion to star hop so we can find the Pleiades.
While the stargazing is weather dependant we will be able to run activities inside the Great Glass House if the weather is poor.
For more information on Garden news and events, visit our website, email info@gardenofwales.org.uk or call 01558 667149.
Botanic Garden Mutton For Sale
We have another consignment of Botanic Garden-grown mutton for sale.
Like our lamb and beef, it is reared on the species-rich grasslands of the Waun Las National Nature Reserve, here at the Botanic Garden.
The boxes contain a mix of joints and cuts e.g. leg, loin, and, of course, that Victorian favourite: mutton chops (there are no shoulders this time, I’m afraid). The boxes will be 9-11kg in weight and cost £85. The mutton will be ready for collection from 10am tomorrow, Thursday November 23.
There is a limited supply so, as in the past, we will be selling the mutton boxes on a first-come, first-served basis. We are taking payment by credit card now. Just call 01558 667149.
The Garden on S4C’s Heno
If you missed Heno’s item on the Garden as a collection point for the charity, Tools for Self-Reliance, you can catch-up here (subtitles available). Or, you can view the clip on Facebook here.
Garden members, Dorian and Janet Hague, were the first to donate unwanted tools, and S4C’s Heno were here to film on the day.
TFSR Cymru are based in Crickhowell and have 65 active volunteers who meet in their fully-equipped workshops to clean and repair donated devices. In the past eight years, they have sent more than 100 tonnes of tools to various countries in Africa.
So, bring your spare, unwanted and damaged (but not beyond repair!) tools to the Garden and we will pass them on to TFSR Cymru.
They are particularly interested in items that will be of use to carpenters, blacksmiths and plumbers. They will also accept gardening implements which they refurbish in their workshops and re-sell all over Wales, using the funds to pay freight costs.
Bring your donations to the Botanic Garden, any day, between 10am and 4pm until Thursday November 30.
Winter Wonderland
There’s not long to go until the Garden is transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland‘.
Come to the ‘Park After Dark’ this festive season and enjoy:
- Amazing lights show
- Stunning owl display
- Free mulled wine and mince pie
- Bar, barbecue, turkey rolls, candy floss and other yuletide treats
- Children’s rides and music
There’s special entry from the 8th to the 17th of December, between 4-7pm: £6 for adults, £3 for children, free for members.
Membership as a Christmas Gift
Beginning to worry about those difficult-to-buy-for friends and relatives?
Membership of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is the gift that keeps on giving – offering FREE entry to the Garden 363 days a year and much more besides.
Prices start from just £38 and, remember: you can buy for an individual, for a couple or for a whole family (two adults and up to four children).
For more information about the different types of membership on offer, take a look here, call the Garden’s Membership Secretary, Jane, on 01558 667118 or our Admissions team on 01558 667149.
The British Bird of Prey Centre
There are awesome encounters to be had EVERY day at the National Botanic Garden’s brand-new attraction – The British Bird of Prey Centre – with a daily flying display at 1pm!
You’ll be able to enjoy amazing flying displays by a Merlin, Red Kites, a Barn Owl and many more!