Restoration work begins at Edwardian Dyffryn Gardens

Work has started to restore statues at Dyffryn Gardens

Restoration work has begun to bring three Edwardian garden rooms in the Vale of Glamorgan back to their former glory.

Dyffryn Gardens is a hive of activity as gardeners, conservationists and builders work on the restoration programme.

As part of the renovation, statues have been removed to be restored and plants are being grown ready for the summer.

Workmen will be on the site continuously from now to July.

Geraldine Donovan, general manager at National Trust Dyffryn Gardens, said: "It's wonderful to see so much care and attention go into this project from so many experts.

"Parts of these gardens were restored in 1998 but more was needed and the level of detail this project will achieve will make these rooms extra special places to visit.

"Watching the gardens changing a little bit each day is really exciting.

"The process is just as exciting as the prospect of the end result."

The rooms will be finished and open to the public in the summer.

• Dyffryn Gardens is a collection of botanical gardens near the village of St Nicholas

• It is set in the grounds of the nineteenth century Dyffryn House on an estate which dates back to AD640

• Landscape architect Thomas Mawson was commissioned to design a new garden for the house in 1894

• In 2000 it was awarded Grade I status in the Cadw's register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in Wales

Gardeners, conservationists and builders are at work in the restoration programme