Autumn Colour from Japanese Acers: In June, Val Brown opened her garden for the National Garden Scheme for the first time.

She so enjoyed the experience she decided to open again in autumn.

Her garden, Tranquillity Haven, promises to be a real treat next weekend.

There is little hint of what is behind number 7 when you turn into a cul-de-sac that is Lords Land.

The entrance to this Japanese Stroll Garden is through a bamboo gate at the side of the house and immediately you find yourself following a narrow winding path past a brightly painted tea house.

The garden slopes away from the house; a natural brook runs through, spanned by traditional red painted bridges. In the autumn acers provide fantastic shades of reds, golds and yellows all around.

Immersing yourself in this garden you can forget that you are in Wales until sitting on the terrace by the house and you look over the top of the trees and shrubs towards Offa’s Dyke.

There are steep paths and steps so the garden is only suitable for the sure footed and sturdy footwear is recommended. 

Tranquillity Haven is open from 2pm until 5pm on both Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October 5 and 6; admission is £4 for adults, children free.

You can find the garden at 7 Lords Land, Whitton, Knighton, LD7 1NJ; from Knighton take the B4355 and after approximately 2m turn right onto B4357 to Whitton.

Val and her late husband started creating this garden 15 years ago and by opening her garden for the National Garden Scheme, Val is helping support Macmillan Nurses who cared for her husband during his illness.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the National Garden Scheme has donated over £58 million to charity since 1927.

Could you help raise even more funds by opening your garden?

To find out more contact the County Organiser, Susan Paynton on 01686 650531.

There are still four gardens open in by arrangement in October, so, if want a special afternoon out for your club or with a group of friends all you need do is contact the owner and arrange a time for an exclusive visit to one of these gardens.

Gardens open by arrangement:

February to October: Fraithwen, Tregynon, SY16 3EW. Sydney Thomas: 01686 650307.

April to November: Hebron, Knighton, LD7 1HP Kevin Collins and Anita Lewis, 01547 529576, kd.collins@hotmail.co.uk

All Year: Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, LD1 6NB, Mary Elster: 01597 860190, llethr@outlook.com

April to November: Plas Dinam, Llandinam, SY17 5DQ, Eldrydd Lamp, 07415 503554, eldrydd@plasdinam.co.uk