More than 70 posts were axed last October as the gardens at Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire plunged into financial crisis.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | South West Wales | Botanic garden staff re-employed

Prof Crane, who was making his first visit to the 500-acre site at Llanarthne, said he was sure the garden had a rosy future.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | South West Wales | Seeds of hope at botanic garden

Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Wilkins, who was responsible for the original conception of the garden at Llanarthne, agreed that the tourist element at the garden was missing.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | Plan for garden 'not realised'