THE Garden at Ponthafren in Newtown is opening for the National Garden Scheme.

Ponthafren aims to promote positive mental health to the people of North Powys by empowering, inspiring and educating in an inclusive, safe environment.

Recognising that gardening is more than a hobby, it is good for the mind and body too, volunteers have created a wonderful riverside

garden at Ponthafren in Newtown.

There are covered seating areas throughout the garden so you can sit and admire the views and watch the wildlife along the river, as well as wonder along the paths enjoying the sensory garden with long grasses, herbs and scented plants.

Quirky objects imaginatively created from recycled objects reflect the humour of those who have so much fun in making and maintaining this unique garden.

There is a productive vegetable plot and as always there will be lots of plants on sale and home-made teas.

The garden is open from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 24.

Admission is by donation.

Ponthafren isn’t the only connection between the National Garden Scheme and mental health.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Mind, the mental health charity, would be a guest charity and receive £100,000.

Rebecca Hastings from Mind says: “Our partnership with the National Garden Scheme will go a long way to help make sure no one experiences a mental health problem alone.

"The National Garden Scheme will help fund our vital peer support work, which is all about supporting people to use their own

personal experiences to help each other.”

So, by visiting Ponthafren and other gardens open through National Garden Scheme you can help provide much

needed support in times of need.

Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors the National Garden Scheme has donated over £58 million to charity since 1927.