Drifts of wild flowers, aromatic herbs, local produce and a warm welcome combine to make a visit to Stackpole Walled Gardens a memorable experience this summer. As well as opening daily to the public, a series of events will take place at the gardens over the next few months, including a craft fair and plant sale from 11 am on Wednesday, August 20. Run by Pembrokeshire Mencap, the Stackpole Walled Gardens offer accredited horticultural training to students from all over Pembrokeshire. Top quality vegetables and fruit are sold in the shop or can be sampled in Cawdors Tea Room. They are conveniently situated in the visitor centre with its own car park and easy access approached through striking hardwood doors made by James of Ratford Bridge. The car park and entrance work were undertaken by local firm G. D. Harries and Sons Ltd and funded by the Collaborative Communities programme which supports social enterprises, along with a contribution from the National Trust. A new website, signage and information panels were also funded by the Collaborative Communities funding. As well as the shop and cafe, the environmentally friendly visitor centre also includes toilets, visitor information and exhibition space for local artists. It has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened a year ago supported by the Communities and Nature fund administered by the former Countryside Council for Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority Sustainable Development Fund. The success of the Stackpole Walled Garden enterprise has been recognised with several awards this year including the Radio Pembrokeshire Green award; a WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) Volunteer of the Year Award and a PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services award. The volunteer trustees of Pembrokeshire Mencap receive great support from many local people including its patrons - the newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb MP and Simon Hart MP. Work at the walled gardens recently received a tremendous boost from Llanion Warriors Rowing Club which donated £4,000 to Pembrokeshire Mencap after choosing the charity along with the Paul Sartori Foundation for its annual fundraising events. These included the Celtic Challenge rowing marathon from Ireland to Wales. 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, as well as at events like the craft day and plant sale on August 20. Check out http://www.stackpole-walledgardens.co.uk">www.stackpole-walledgardens.co.uk for further information and news.