Visiting the garden at Plas Newydd

A scenic garden in spring with blooming pink and red flowers, lush green grass, and blossoming trees. — Spring colour in the garden at Plas Newydd | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

The Grade-I listed landscape at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, consists of 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland.

Spring highlights at Plas Newydd

This spring, Plas Newydd comes alive with vibrant colour, from the tranquil Rhododendron Garden at the northern end to the enchanting bluebells of Church Bank Wood at the southern edge of the property.

Spring begins early here, with rhododendrons starting to bloom in the mild March weather, particularly in the West Indies. As the season progresses, the wonderful collection of magnolias begins to take centre stage throughout the garden. From the magnificent pink blooms of Magnolia campbellii in the Rhododendron Garden to the delicate white flowers of Magnolia stellata (star magnolia), these early spring flowers bring a touch of elegance and beauty to the landscape.

Tulips

The show of spring at Plas Newydd wouldn’t be complete without the annual tulip display. At Easter time, the formal gardens are transformed with over 5,000 tulip bulbs planted in the Terraces and Sunroom Courtyard. The Hot Border bursts with reds, yellows, and oranges, while the Cool Border across the way showcases softer tones of pinks, purples, and whites, with mixed colours surrounding the House. It’s a true sight to behold.

Beyond the formal gardens, the Arboretum offers its own springtime spectacle. In March, you’ll find increasing numbers of native daffodils blooming, part of the garden team’s ongoing planting programme. This year, we’re celebrating the third phase of our daffodil planting, with around 12,000 bulbs now flourishing, and more to come in future seasons. In April, the woods that frame the garden are speckled with bluebells. Their arrival coincides with the peak of birdsong, adding another layer of natural beauty to this wonderful time of year.

A lush garden path surrounded by blooming rhododendrons in shades of white, pink, and red, with green foliage and tall trees in the background. — Rhododendron Garden at Plas Newydd | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

In spring, the West Indies bursts into life with azalea blossoms in shades of orange, pink, and red, filling the air with a delightful fragrance and vibrant color. This seasonal spectacle sets the stage for even more breathtaking displays throughout the garden.

Rhododendron Garden

A highlight of the season is the Rhododendron Garden, which reaches its peak in April and May. For weeks, the shrubs—both large and small—are adorned with vivid flowers, creating one of the most serene and picturesque corners of the garden. For those who enjoy a longer walk, a one-mile woodland trail leads to this enchanting space, where a dazzling array of rhododendrons spills across the landscape in a truly magical display.