Stackpole Mencap Walled Gardens is kick starting a busy few months of events with a pig roast and country dancing from 7pm this evening (Thursday, August 7).

Drifts of wild flowers, aromatic herbs, Pembrokeshire produce and a warm welcome combine to make a visit to the gardens a memorable experience this summer.

As well as opening daily to the public, a series of events is taking place at the gardens over the coming months, including a craft fair and plant sale on Wednesday, August 20, from 11am.

Run by Pembrokeshire Mencap, the gardens provide accredited horticultural courses and social development skills training for Pembrokeshire adults with learning disabilities.

A new £350,000 visitor centre with a cafe and shop was opened by BBC TV presenter Iolo Williams last summer and in October the project was awarded nearly £20,000 of EU funding the Collaborative Communities Targeted Finance Package (TFP).

The success of the enterprise has been recognised with several awards this year - the Radio Pembrokeshire green award, a Wales Council for Voluntary Action volunteer of the year award and a Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services award.

The volunteer trustees of Pembrokeshire Mencap receive great support from many people including its patrons - the newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb MP and south Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart.

And work at the walled gardens recently received a tremendous boost from Llanion Warriors Rowing Club which donated £4,000.

This year’s annual raffle is being run by Pembroke Rotary Club which is featuring the charity as one of its beneficiaries. Raffle tickets are on sale at the gardens and from committee members.

Tickets for the pig roast can be bought on the night or by calling 01646 661442. For more information go to www.stackpole-walledgardens.co.uk.