Cures for warts, toothache and hangovers can be found at new North Wales garden
The Welsh Herbal Garden celebrates the fascinating folklore surrounding medicinal plants used in Wales through the ages. Visitors will be able to discover the history of plants and learn about remedies such as drinking distilled red rose petals for toothache.
The half-acre site has been built by Bangor University at 45-acre Treborth Botanic Garden, Bangor. It will be officially opened during a National Garden Scheme open event on Sunday, July 13 (see details below).
The garden's planting scheme will tell the story of how people in Wales used plants to treat all manner of ailments. It will celebrate the medieval Physicians of Myddfai, a Carmarthenshire family who used herbal remedies for five centuries and were pioneers of modern medicine.
Plants on show will include saffron, a multi-use plant used as a 'sobering tonic'. The ancient Greeks hailed it as a stomach remedy, the Egyptians dissolved it in water to treat cataracts. Both the Romans and Persians swore by it as an aphrodisiac.
Humble apple trees have also been planted. Apple cider vinegar is thought to work on warts because of its acidic nature, exfoliating dead skin cells and possibly stimulating a localised immune response. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
The garden will be used by students at the university's North Wales Medical School as a teaching resource to reflect modern and historical plant medicine. The school's head, Prof Stephen Doughty, said the facility will complement a new pharmacy programme being launched in the coming year.
Garden designer Nicola Oakey said plants are deeply connected to Welsh history and heritage. 'That's why it was so important that we used local materials in the garden,' she said.
'The slate helps us to tell that story and creates a garden that feels absolutely 'right' in its setting.'
Taking inspiration from the Welsh landscape, the design centres around two circular seating spaces, connected by curving pathways. Raised drystone planters provide seating, enabling visitors to get up close with plants.
Its Welsh Slate centrepiece, installed by Kehoe Countryside, comprises a 2.5-metre circular mural of pavers. Made using Penrhyn Heather Blue riven slate, it was supplied by Cerrig Granite and Slate.
Pitched slate pathways were also installed over a period of six months, with seating comprising of locally-made timber benches.
Kehoe contract manager Celyn Kehoe said the design showcased traditional skills. 'The centrepiece was very well made and easy to assemble,' she said.
'The traditional pitching and walling was more time consuming – but the slate looks great in place, and is a real asset to the garden.'
The university-owned Treborth Botanic Garden is opening for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday, July 13, 2pm-5pm. Entry is £4 (children go free). Places can be booked online here or you can pay on the day.
The Welsh Herbal Garden is being officially opened at 3pm.
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