The National Botanic Garden of Wales is allowing dogs in its grounds for the first time.

On Saturday March 9^th, there will be a “doggy day trial” when responsible owners will be able to bring their dogs into the Garden for the day. Previously, only guide dogs have been allowed entry.

As an extra privilege, canine visitors will also be allowed in free.

Curator Simon Goodenough said: “The most frequently asked question by would-be visitors to the Garden is: ‘Are dogs allowed?’ So we are really reacting to public demand by holding this trial.” Owners will need to follow some basic rules such as keeping their dogs on leads, off the flower beds and out of buildings and clearing up after their pets. “Because we haven’t ever had dogs here, we are asking people to act responsibly and be considerate as we are not geared up for poop-scooping,” said Goodenough.

Perhaps as a sign of changes to come - the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden also recently held a successful ‘doggy day’ trial and is planning a further two.

And for another kind of snapping

The National Botanic Garden is also inviting photographers to submit their favourite images of the venue for possible inclusion in the Garden’s 2015 calendar.

Head of marketing David Hardy said: “There are thousands of photographs of the Garden out there on social media sites, image sites and, I dare say, unseen on people’s hard-drives all over the world.

“What we want to do is harness that skill and enthusiasm and put together a really must-have calendar with images from a unique global collection.”

Anyone interested in taking part should email jpeg images (minimum 2 megabytes and at least 300dpi) to [email protected]

For full terms and conditions for the competition, go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk

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