The two‑day celebration, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, will transform the Carmarthenshire attraction into a floral spectacle, offering visitors the chance to discover rare species, popular hybrids, and a host of companion plants.
Organised by the Orchid Study Group, the festival coincides with Aberglasney’s Late Summer Fair, creating what organisers describe as a full sensory experience — with the mansion devoted to orchids and the Cloister Garden taken over by plant and produce stalls.
Aberglasney Gardens’ director Helen Scutt said:
“The Welsh Orchid Festival will completely take over the Mansion while we completely take over the Cloister Garden with plants and produce stalls. We hope everyone comes to enjoy this unique horticultural experience.”
A rich Welsh orchid heritage
Founded in 2005, the Orchid Study Group celebrates Wales’ long orchid‑growing history. Penllergare was once home to pioneering photographer and orchid grower John Dillwyn Llewelyn, son of botanist and Swansea Pottery owner Lewis Weston Dillwyn.
It was in Wales that John built a greenhouse where tropical orchids were cultivated under semi‑natural conditions for the first time. Many species flowered there before anywhere else — and it’s thought he was the first to photograph them. His legacy lives on in blooms such as Eria dillwynii.
Festival co‑organiser Dr Kevin Davies said:
“This year sees the 20th anniversary of the Orchid Study Group, and we invite you all to join us in celebrating this special event. There’ll be colourful, rare and unusual orchids, with experienced growers on hand to offer advice.”
Talks, stalls and special exhibits
New for 2025 will be a series of expert talks on orchid cultivation and biology, free with admission. Seating is limited and early arrival is advised. The full schedule is available at aberglasney.org.
Visitors can also browse stalls selling orchids, carnivorous plants, botanical paintings and more.
The Welsh Orchid Festival is free with entry to Aberglasney’s Summer Fair (£10 for adults, free for under‑16s). Opening hours are 10am–5pm both days.
