When the National Botanic Garden of Wales was built a few years ago, in Carmarthenshire, it seemed set for success. A modern and dramatic complex sited in an 18th-century landscape garden, it included the largest single-span glasshouse in the world - designed by Norman Foster, no less - with an interior by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson.
Yet, when it first opened, visitors didn't turn up - so much so that it looked as if it was all going to slide quietly off the map. Thankfully, things have changed and visitor numbers are back on track. Perhaps this is because of the new tropical house with its jaw-dropping architecture. Or maybe the public has noticed that this blend of botany, conservation, architecture, sculpture and history can't be found elsewhere.
The underlying aim of the garden is to preserve plant heritage from all over the globe and, of course, Wales. To this end, the glasshouse covers six geographical zones with a Mediterranean climate, containing some of the world's most endangered plants.
Outside the glasshouse, water is a predominant theme. There are lakes, streams and William Pye's curving water steps sculpture - which is rather fitting in the damp Welsh climate (open all year, 01558 668768, gardenofwales.org.uk).