Aberglasney Gardens has been thrilled by the overwhelming response to its competition inviting entries to design a colorful birthday card front cover in celebration of its 25th anniversary of being open to the public.

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Renowned local artist Andrew Douglas-Forbes graciously accepted the role of judging the hundreds of submissions received from schools and individuals across the county. Andrew, who has a longstanding connection with Aberglasney Gardens, will also be hosting his own exhibition in the Mansion this July as part of the anniversary festivities.

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The winning design, selected by Andrew Douglas-Forbes, comes from Rhian Craig, a talented 12-year-old student at Parc y Tywyn Primary School. Rhian's realistic and intricately detailed depiction of the mansion and cloister garden stood out among the entries.

Expressing his admiration for Rhian's work, Andrew Douglas-Forbes commented, "Congratulations to Rhian. Your drawing truly impressed me with its realism. The overall standard of entries was exceptionally high, and I appreciate the dedication and effort evident in each piece of art."

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As part of her prize, Rhian Craig and her friends or classmates will enjoy a guided tour of Aberglasney Gardens followed by a festive birthday party lunch courtesy of the Tearooms.

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Acknowledging the outstanding quality of submissions, Andrew also awarded second and third prizes. Yeju Kim, aged 12 from Ysgol Coedcae in Llanelli, secured second place, while Ioan Rossiter, aged 8 from Ysgol Gorslas, claimed third place. All entries are currently on display in the Mansion until the end of July, allowing visitors to Aberglasney Gardens to admire the creativity on show.

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Aberglasney Gardens, opened to the public on 4th July 1999, stands as one of Wales' premier garden attractions, featuring the only surviving Elizabethan Cloister Garden in the UK. The gardens gained prominence through the BBC television series 'A Garden Lost in Time,' chronicling its restoration leading up to its opening.

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To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Aberglasney Gardens invites visitors to enjoy a diverse lineup of events and experiences in the coming months. Members and visitors are encouraged to visit Aberglasney's website at www.aberglasney.org and social media channels for updates on events and ticket information.

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Andrew Douglas-Forbes' exhibition, titled "The Gardener’s Mug and all its connotations," will be on display at Aberglasney from Friday, 19th July to Thursday, 25th July. Featuring 25 pieces celebrating 25 years, the exhibition reflects Andrew's deep connection with Aberglasney and his exploration of its history and ethos through his artwork.

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Andrew will be holding a preview evening from 5.30pm on Friday, 19 July and all are
welcome to attend. Normal entry fee to the Gardens does not apply when attending the preview event.