Garden ready to resume weddings

Weddings are returning to the National Botanic Garden at Middleton - here is a photograph of an earlier wedding

The National Botanic Garden at Middleton is holding its first wedding of the summer on Friday.

The first happy couple since the garden was saved from closure in April are Serena and Marc Davies from Newcastle Emlyn.

Marc said: "The garden is tranquil and has a relaxing atmosphere."

A spokesman at Middleton said it was delighted to be getting back to normal and to welcome Marc and teacher Serena, already a Miss Davies, who will become Mrs Davies.

The garden was rescued after a financial package to cover the year followed promises of £300,000 each from Carmarthenshire County Council, the Millennium Commission and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Marc said: "We've been looking at what was going on regarding the possible closure but personally I felt certain it would stay open."

The reception for the 140 guests will the follow in Carreg Cennen Castle.

Marc, a computer trainer from Newcastle Emlyn, added: "We get a sense of the old and new during the day and the tropical plants and flower will be stunning.

"We didn't have another place in mind - it was the garden or nothing. We would had to have done it in the registry office."

And they do not have to worry about the weather - if it rains, guests will keep warm and dry in the great glasshouse.