Northern Ireland

Stunning pink and white blossoms bloom early in Co Armagh

Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh
Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh
By Marie Louise McConville

Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at Ardress House in Co Armagh.

Weeks of continuous sunshine and very little rain have helped the development of a heavy bloom at the National Trust property.

Now, it’s up to honeybees, bumblebees, flies, beetles and wasps to do their job and cross pollinate the blossom to produce fruit.

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The Ardress apple blossom is traditionally celebrated by thousands of people during 'Apple Blossom Sunday' in May when the apple is celebrated in its many forms with apple pressing, apple pancakes, apple pie and cider, all of which are available to taste and buy.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ardress House and its orchards will remain closed to the public this year but the National Trust has been sharing pictures and video of the spring spectacle on its social media channels.

In addition, #BlossomWatch is encouraging people to enjoy blooming trees they can see from their windows, in their gardens or on their daily permitted walk, and share their best images on social media using the hashtag.

Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh
Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh Stunning pink and white blossoms have bloomed early at the orchards at Ardress House, a National Trust property, in Co Armagh