Skenfrith open garden's scheme was opened by Sir Roy Strong of Laskett Garden fame, who spoke about the preservation of buildings such as the Norman Church in the village that the Friends of St. Bridget's were supporting that day.

The stunning views in all directions was enough to set off the most modest plot, with a silent auction of two paintings, a flower arrangement competition and lectures in the village hall to add interest to the day.

First to talk was Sir Roy Strong the polymath former museum director,  expert on the Tudor period in particular, owner and creator with his late wife of the Laskett Garden 10 miles or so away.  He was followed by John FitzPatrick, former Fleet Street newspaper man, plants person, former Chelsea Medallist, professional gardener and Secretary to the Alpine Garden Society.  Jan Lucas-Scudamore, Chateleine of Kentchurch Court told listeners about the joys and perils of running this famous property for her descendents. Robb Merchant of award winning White Castle Vineyard gave an illustrated talk about how he came to find the south sloping ground, on which he and his wife Nicola, planted the vines which have been so fruitful – and have fulfilled his wife's heart's desire.  

13 gardens were on show in a circuitous route around the village which some brave souls took on by foot, others by the kindness of Jerry and Gina Smith who offered taxi rides for free.

Gardens varied from Tregout Farm, whose working rose and flower garden produces rose water to the small eclectic gardens of the former council houses, now private homes.

The other garden open in the area over the weekend as part of the National Gardens Scheme's (NGS) Gardens Open for Charity was Longhouse Farm, near Penrhos.

The gardens, sitting in two acres of beautiful countryside, had a wide variety of plants to see – from those that thrive in arid conditions to the water lilies in Longhouse Farm's pond.

With more than 20 years of ongoing work, the gardens proved popular with hundreds of visitors strolling around the farmhouse grounds, buying plants from the stall in a barn covered with climbing plants and relaxing on the lawn with tea and cake provided by Bryngwyn WI.