St Davids Open Gardens
Find out all about St Davids Open Gardens, how and why it started and the local organisations we support
Our Patron
We are very proud that Iolo Williams, the naturalist, wildife TV presenter and writer, best known for his BBC and S4C nature programmes, is supporting the Open Gardens weekend by being its Patron.
“The Open Gardens weekend is fabulous and will help make St Davids a much more pleasant place for wildlife & people - Well done”
How it all Started
The idea for Open Gardens Weekends in St Davids began quite simply in 2017 with a shared sense of curiosity and desire to celebrate the creativity of local gardeners. We wondered whether residents might enjoy opening up their private garden spaces to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden, personal worlds that lie behind walls, hedges and cottage facades. We felt that such an event could bring people together in a relaxed and enjoyable way, while also highlighting the beauty and individuality of the City’s gardens and our unique peninsula environment.
This idea quickly grew into something more purposeful. By 2018, the inaugural Open Gardens event had take shape, featuring 25 garnes that embraced pollinator-friendly planting. This was particularly significant as St Davids had recently been recognised as the first “Bee Friendly” city in Wales. The event became a way to celebrate the achievement, while also encouraging others to think about how their own gardens could support bees, butterflies and other essential wildlife.
One of the unique appeals of the event is the nature of these ‘secret spaces’ themselves. In St Davids, gardens are incredibly varied - ranging from small, tucked away courtyards to larger, more expansive plots. Many of them are completely hidden from public view, sparking curiosity among both locals and visitors. People often wonder what lies behind the charming houses and cottages. The Open Gardens Weekend offers a rare opportunity to step inside these private spaces and explore their diversity.
Supporting others
For the first few years of the Open Gardens Weekend we raised money only for the Pembrokeshire Friends of Prostate Cymru, a support group dedicated to raising awareness, supporting patients, and fundraising for Prostate Cymru. My husband, Brian, had passed away from this illness, and I was keen to publicise the amazing group of volunteers and what they do. Whilst we contineu to fundraise for them we also support other local community groups in St Davids. The featured local groups will change from year to year.
In 2026 we are supporting Prostate Cymru, EcoDewi, Wild About Pembrokeshire & Friends of Treginnis