A CARMARTHENSHIRE venue will be hosting a special flower festival in September.

Aberglasney Gardens in Llangathen will host the 15th Welsh Orchid Festival. It is organised by the Orchid Study Group.

The aim of the festival is to learn more about the plant – which is among the most popular gifts to be received by people in the UK.

During the festival, attendees will be able to learn about rare species of orchids, popular hybrid orchids and also buy their own orchids and other plants including carnivorous plants, orchid companion plants and botanical paintings.

Jim Stribling, director of operations at Aberglasney Gardens, said: “We are delighted to be once again hosting the annual Welsh Orchid Festival on behalf of the Orchid Study Group, who meet regularly at Aberglasney. We hope visitors to the Gardens will enjoy this unique orchid experience.”

Lynne Harrendence, secretary of the Orchid Study Group and co-organiser of the festival, said: “We are looking forward to holding, once again, our annual festival at Aberglasney. It is the perfect backdrop for our event. We hope that all those who enjoy growing orchids will come along and visit us during the weekend-long event.”

The Orchid Study Group was established in 2005 to provide a focus for orchids and their study in Wales, which has a long and rich orchid history.

Tropical orchids were grown in Wales in semi-natural conditions for the first time in Penllergare by John Dillwyn Llewelyn.

Visitors to Aberglasney can see a range of orchids in the Ninfarium tropical indoor garden all-year round.

The Welsh Orchid Festival will take place at Aberglasney Gardens on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3. Entry to the festival is free, but normal admission fee to Aberglasney applies.

The festival will run from 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday.