02-08-2025
Welshpool resident with Parkinson's to open garden to public
A Welshpool resident with Parkinson's is opening his garden to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS).
Keith Wall, 67, is set to welcome visitors to his garden as part of the Guilsfield Group on Sunday, August 10.
Mr Wall, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2013, has found gardening to be a source of positivity and purpose.
Mr Wall said: "It's about recognising that you can't do as much as you'd like.
"But I now realise that I'm just a bit slower and that with help I can keep doing the things I love."
Gardening is one of those passions.
Mr Wall's love of horticulture began with his father, who worked as head gardener at Eastnor Castle in Ledbury.
He said: "I picked up a love of gardening and especially of long-lasting, bright colour in the garden from him.
"Begonias in particular are my favourite, for their colour and longevity.
"Even on a dull day they are bright and cheerful."
Mr Wall shares the garden with his wife, Rhian.
The front garden is modest, but the rear garden, which backs onto a nature reserve, is packed with colour from echinacea, snapdragons, and rudbeckia.
Mr Wall said: "There's always deadheading to be done and it's been so dry that watering has been pretty full-time recently too.
"I just do a bit, rest for a bit, do a bit more and the time just goes."
Despite mobility challenges and needing help with taller plants, he still spends four to five hours tending to the garden.
Mr Wall also enjoys daily walks and took part in the recent Parkinson's UK Cymru Walk.
He is also an active member of the Parkinson's support group in his area.
Parkinson's UK has received more than £2.4 million from garden openings since 2012.
Mr Wall said: "We've had such wonderful support from the local National Garden Scheme team, and the Parkinson's UK local group have all promised to come to support on our open day on Sunday, August 10."
He said the experience of visiting other NGS gardens has helped calm his nerves about opening his own.
Mr Wall said: "I know from visiting gardens that they not only provide great inspiration for gardeners, but that the garden owners are happy to share their expert advice and often great plants too, so I'm looking forward to offering our visitors a really warm, bright welcome too."
