A group of us from Soulton recently headed back over to Powis Castle near Welshpool. We did not go to look at the house this time—our entire visit was focused on the gardens. Dropping down a steep red sandstone ridge into the Severn Valley, the terraced landscape at Powis is well regarded by many, including the King, and it is easy to see why. It is one of the most remarkable horticultural feats in Britain.
What strikes you immediately is the sheer practical achievement of the site. Carving out stone terraces along a cliff edge was an immense undertaking, but it created an incredible layout for growing. The high, south-facing sandstone walls hold heat and create warm microclimates where tender plants thrive, while the terraces offer brilliant long views across the formal borders toward the Breidden Hills and the valley below. The huge, cloud-clipped yews framing the stone balustrades give the space a real sense of depth and maturity.
It is the kind of garden that offers endless ideas to take home. The clever use of vertical space, the way stone retains warmth to shelter delicate planting, and the balance between grand structural lines and lush, varied borders are packed with real horticultural inspiration.
Powis shows what can be achieved when a garden works directly with the natural dramatic layout of the land. It was a fantastic visit, and there is plenty from those terraces that we will be reflecting on back home at Soulton.
