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It is believed it was the Romans who first grew leeks in Britain. Now iconic symbols for Wales, the Romans used leeks to flavour stews.

So what else did we inherit from the Romans' horticultural habits? The National Roman Legion Museum's new Roman inspired garden opened officially to the public on 24 September 2008 giving visitors an even greater insight into the lives and practices of the Romans who lived in Isca, today's Caerleon.

The Romans' triclinium is today's gazebo and we continue to use techniques which they established 2,000 years ago; turning soil in the autumn, mixing compost, hoeing beds and sowing seeds in spring. They also introduced several plant species to the UK, which are familiar to us.

"We've used archaeological remains and research to interpret a Roman Garden," said Andrew Dixey, Estates Manager, Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. "The Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD and brought their garden designs with them. However due to the change in climate, the range in plants they could grow was more restricted than overseas. We've tried to recreate what a Roman garden could have looked like."

Roman gardens were ideal locations to relax and a perfect place for entertaining guests. They were among the first people to use gardens for decorative purposes. Colourful plants, stone ornaments and decorative pots were used regularly. Indeed, their gardens were seen as an extension of their homes.

But they also had practical uses. Romans' gardens would be sources for vegetables, fruit and herbs such as rosemary, thyme and mint, which were used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

The Museum has planted box hedges, bay trees and vines climbing the triclinium. Some of what visitors will see will be recognisable to them, a number will be plants which they can identify but might not have associated with the Romans, and there are also a couple of surprises such as the white and black Horehound.

Bethan Lewis, Manager, National Roman Legion Museum has watched the garden grow: "The Roman garden enhances our interpretation of Roman Caerleon and is a special addition because it's Museum staff and volunteers who've actually researched and created it. We currently attract about 70,000 people a year and look forward to welcoming new visitors wanting gardening tips from the Romans."

The Roman inspired garden provides a fresh backdrop for many of the activities that already take place at the Museum, which offers free entry thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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For further information, please contact Catrin Mears, Communications Officer on (029) 2057 3185 or email catrin.mears@museumwales.ac.uk.