Life

Outdoors: Spring gardens on show

One of the gardens that have opened today to raise money for the work of the Woodland Trust
One of the gardens that have opened today to raise money for the work of the Woodland Trust One of the gardens that have opened today to raise money for the work of the Woodland Trust

SPRING is on show today as two Co Tyrone gardens swing open their gates with magnolias, bluebells and azaleas in full bloom. The Woodland Trust's garden lover's diary has started and these otherwise private and secret gardens will open from 11am to 5pm, with proceeds supporting the work of the conservation charity.

With summer just around the corner the gardens are in full bloom and visitors are in for an uplifting treat of a colour, scent and sound.

The garden open day is courtesy of Uel Henderson in Newtownstewart and Sir Bob and Lady Salisbury, near Omagh.

The Henderson garden is at The Old Methodist Manse, 52 Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, BT78 4JT. Mr Henderson owns two acres of beautifully manicured gardens, 40 years in the making. Visitors will have a chance to see rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. There are bluebells and a stream with miniature waterfalls lined with water-loving plants.

The Salisbury garden is at The Fod, 46 Drumconnelly Road, Omagh, BT78 1RT. Sir Bob and Lady Salisbury have worked hard to transform this previously bleak landscape into a natural paradise. It is now a refuge for wildlife and admired by visitors. The couple have created formal, wildlife-friendly gardens, an orchard and small lakes, collectively covering 17 acres.

Around 5,000 trees, planted a few years ago, complete the picture and already tower over the tallest of walkers. The various habitats – all joined by paths, steps or grassy areas – are home to a plethora of birds (57 species), insects and mammals including the Irish hare and otter.

Janette Wickens of the Woodland Trust says: “From perfectly manicured lawns to wildlife-friendly landscapes, this is a chance to enjoy a breath of fresh air in the most peaceful and enviable of settings. We’re so grateful to the owners for making this special day possible. They are fairly close to one another, so you can easily make a day of it.”

:: Wear stout footwear. Cost £5 per adult per garden, or £8 for both gardens. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 0330 333 5302, visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events or email centralevents@woodlandtrust.org.uk