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Saving Gwrych Castle for the benefit of all continues this weekend with two days of family fun to unveil the plans and work already begun to restore the former formal gardens at this North Wales castle.

Dr Mark Baker, an expert in Welsh historic houses and chair of the Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust, says that this weekend will see the re-planting of some of the beds of the castle, recreating the grounds as they would have been in 1914, the last time it was a private garden.

The archaeological phase of bringing the garden back to life has finished and it uncovered a clue as to one of the main plants found in the garden of yesteryear; a plant tag with the name Caroline Testout has been dug up.

(Image: Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust)

Dr Mark Baker says: "It is a climbing rose popular in the 1900s as it is named after a famous milliner and costumer that the Countess of Dundonald, Winifred Bamford-Heskth, who owned and lived in the castle at that time, was in awe of."

(Image: countrygardenroses.co.uk)

The aim of the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust is to bring this pretty rose back into the garden of the Abergele castle, and is looking for people's time and money to help.

And there has been an unlikely first donation.

Canadian author Elizabeth J. Duncan , who writes the Penny Brannigan mystery series set in North Wales, chose to set the eighth novel in the series due to published in 2017 against the backdrop of Gwrych Castle.

Elizabeth has donated the cost of a Mme Caroline Testout rose to the restoration of the formal garden.

(Image: elizabethjduncan.com)

She says: "Like many others, I've rather fallen under the spell of Gwrych Castle and its ruined beauty.

"I love the idea that by donating a rosebush I can help further the wonderful work of the dedicated volunteers who give so much to preserve and protect this important piece of Welsh heritage."

(Image: Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust) (Image: Gwrych Castle Preservation Trus)

And with garden plans researched and discovered as the basis of restored layout, work is under way to peel back the layers of past garden design, including the area that was used for jousting during the 1970s.

(Image: Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust)

There is on-going rebuilding work too, including many of the original staircases.

Dr Mark Baker says: "We've been uncovering the original beds and structure of the garden, which is very exciting. Plus, with training help from the Natural Building Centre in Llanrwst, our volunteeers have been busy building, using traditional methods and lime mortar."

(Image: Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust)

And with work to restore the garden now begun, the public can get involved this weekend.

MORE:Restoration of the tower at Gwrych Castle

See the garden with the help of Knights

The Castle and grounds will be open for the public to see the work that's being done on restoring the garden on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June.

But that's not all. Step back in time and immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds and smells as you travel from the 9th Century up to World War II.

Meet costumed Knights, maybe even handle a weapon, meet birds of prey or have a go at archery.

(Image: Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust)





Throughout the castle estate there will be children's entertainment including clowns, balloon making, circus skills, a magician, donkey rides and have a go art and crafts.

When and where is it happening?

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, 12pm - 4pm (last admission 3.30pm).

Entry £5.00 per person (donations for under 12s).

For further information go to the Trust's website which also contains details on how to donate to the garden restoration.