TABERNACLE Garden in Pembroke is to close for the winter… but, oh, what a year it has been!

During this year the volunteer-run garden behind Tabernacle United Reformed Church has been awarded the “Keep Wales Tidy” award and a glowing report from RHS Community Green Spaces, describing it as a “thriving garden”.

The RHS visitor’s report added: “It was a real pleasure to visit your community garden. I was extremely impressed with the way in which you have managed to develop the garden on a site with particularly challenging levels. There is without doubt a lot of plant interest in the garden, and that combined with the sharing of horticultural skills has ensured that you are both attracting eager volunteers as well as reaching a wider audience.

The interpretation panels are without doubt some of the best ones that I have seen. Both colourful and informative with the ability to appeal to many. Well done!”

The Tabernacle Garden occupies a unique and dramatic plot that extends down to The Commons and features medieval stone walls, a cliff, a cave, a 17th century lime kiln and stunning views across The Commons to the south side of Pembroke.

Joan Marsh (Pembroke Tabernacle Garden) said: “We have also had a wonderful team of archaeologists, exploring the cave- (yes we have a large cave in the garden!) this August and also giving a couple of talks within the church about why Wogan Cavern in the castle is a cave of ‘Significant International Interest’.

(Fossils of interglacial Hippopotamus and bones of woolly mammoth and evidence of Stone Age people were uncovered at the site under Pembroke Castle.)

“These finds led to an interest in carrying out an exploratory dig in our outlying cave. Do watch out for the archaeologists returning to Wogan Cavern this spring to begin further archaeological exploration, preceded by an introductory talk to Monkton and Pembroke History Society.”

“As we close for this year I am very mindful that in order to open and to continue to provide an interesting and relaxing green space for people and for wildlife, we need more volunteers,” she added. “Some are certainly needed to help with the garden maintenance and without this we may not be able to continue.

“I remain a keen advocate of the garden but as years go by, it is becoming too much to manage for our very small team of volunteers. So if you can spare a couple of hours every week or two on a regular basis in spring and into 2026 , please do get in touch on 07917 205512.”

Meanwhile, the front garden at Tabernacle Church has been looking lovely with further planting and with a seat provided in legacy of Rev’d John Tulley and second seat provided by Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Lions Club to give people an opportunity to sit and relax in a lovely space – thank you Lions!

“Do continue to feel welcome to come and enjoy this garden throughout the year!”