Garden couple's top seeding

Lyn and Len Toms have no formal training

A green-fingered couple's garden in Pembrokeshire has been recognised as a must-see attraction for members of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Lyn and Len Toms have dedicated the past 18 years to creating Bro Meigan Gardens at Boncath from scratch.

Despite having no formal training, it is now being listed as an RHS partner garden, joining the likes of the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

The garden has been created in 6.5 acres of land at their home.

There was nothing when we first moved here, it was a rather neglected little small holding but as they say in all the good books it had potential Lyn Toms

Partner status means it can stage RHS events, and is included in the society's handbook as a place its members should visit.

It is one of 10 new entries in Wales for 2005, joining three already on the list - the National Botanic Gardens, Bodnant Gardens and Picton Gardens.

Mrs Toms, whose first experience of gardening was tending three window boxes as she grew up in London, said: "The more we think about it, the more amazing it is.

Rat race

"We've never had any horticultural training and just do it because of the love of it.

"We've had no support from any funding body or grants like other gardens.

Click here to tour Bro Meigan Gardens

"We are just self-financing - luckily a packet of seeds does not cost very much."

The Toms bought their holding 18 years ago, after deciding to escape the rat race in the south east of England once their two daughters had grown up.

"There was nothing when we first moved here," said Mrs Toms.

"It was a rather neglected little smallholding but, as they say in all the good books, it had potential."

They first opened their garden to the public in 1990, and now it has become a full-time occupation for the pair.

"We have been totally reliant on ourselves," she added.

Christmas cards

"We are always here to answer any questions, so we have built up a relationship with our visitors.

"There's not a Christmas yet where we have not had a card from visitors with seeds enclosed.

"The RHS liked what we were doing here.

"We have a huge range of planting and we have broken the garden down into separate areas and most of the areas relate to the general size of most people's gardens."

Alison Higgs, regional development executive for the RHS, said: "The gardens are chosen for their high standard of horticulture, and their ability to inspire keen gardeners.

"There is a variety of gardening styles within the garden to ensure something for everyone.

"All gardens usually charge an entrance fee but, as part of the scheme, we are offering RHS members free access at particular times of the year."