GET away from it all and step into the tranquil gardens of Penpergwm Lodge.

For a relaxing family day out the Penpergwm Lodge Gardens, Abergavenny is a world away from every day life.

The lodge is part of the National Garden Scheme and has been developed over the last 25 years from the outline of the Edwardian garden design and laid out when the house was built. Catriona Boyle and her husband, Simon, own the gardens in Abergavenny . "The garden is a great idea for a family day out. It's a peaceful change and is very relaxing," said Mrs Boyle.

"There are now exuberantly planted south-facing terraces, one stone and one with double brick walls on both sides of the house.

"These are linked in an Italiante parterre and a brick pillard vine and crocosmia paved walk," she said.

The latest addition to the garden is a Golden Jubilee tower with a fine roof and weather vane.

This varied and special garden has featured on TV and been written about in The Field and Country Life and most recently by Vanessa Berridge in the November issue of The English Garden.

A nursery has been developed by Mrs Boyle and Joanna Kerr using unusual herbaceous plants, bulbs and half-hardy perennials. And the lodge is also home to Mrs Boyles' garden school.

The gardens and nursery are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from April to September from 2 to 6pm.

Garden and nursery visits by clubs and organisations are welcome at other times by arrangement and teas can be provided.

Bed and breakfast is available with free access to the garden including the Folly Tower and open air swimming pool.

Mrs Boyle said: "With a very comfortable house, a large varied garden and a delicious lunch, we aim to give our customers a memorable day out as well as increasing their gardening knowledge.

For more information contact Penpergwm Lodge, Abergavenny, NP7 9AS. Call (01873) 840208, e-mail boyle@penpergwm.co.uk or www.penplants.com. Hannah Mlatem