Formal terraces, a water garden and pond are located in the higher parts of these gardens, together with sloping lawns, ornamental shrubs and coniferous trees, some of which were planted in Victorian times. In the Spring and early Summer, species of Rhododendron and Azalea are ablaze with colour.
A plethora of tree species
From the car park at Plas Tan y Bwlch you are able to enter a network of paths into the informal, largely shaded, woodland gardens where native flora such as oaks, beeches, Scots pine and Irish Yew intermingle with trees and shrubs imported from abroad.
Flourishing biodiversity
These long-established, peaceful, semi-wild areas form habitats for a wide variety of birds, insects, small mammals and wild flowers, some of which come under the protection of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act. Informality is the keynote in these parts of the gardens.
Conservation
In conserving and restoring these gardens, to protect wildlife habitats and integrate them with the formal gardens: hence, the retention of brambles and log piles in many woodland areas and creepers on trees.
Llyn Mair
Extended walks around Dyffryn Maentwrog and Llyn Mair with over 30km of footpath network maintained by a partnership of local landowners is also a great place to explore.