The National Botanic Garden of Wales

Credit: British Tourist Authority

That’s excellent news for gardening enthusiasts bound for Britain because the designation is inspiring even more remarkable garden projects in a country that puts gardens right up there with the Queen, dogs and afternoon tea.

One of these projects is the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthen, the first new national botanical garden in the U.K. in 200 years. Although limited openings began last summer, 2001 is its first full year open. A highlight of the garden is an immense glass greenhouse showcasing more than 1,000 species of Mediterranean flora and featuring a ravine, rock terraces, a waterfall and even a lake.

For more about this and other U.K. gardens, visit www.visitbritain.com/ca/gardens.htm