LONG before Through the Keyhole and the rise of property porn, a group of like-minded people in the north got together to help satisfy the public?s appetite for ?having a wee nosey? around somebody else?s gaff.
Launched in 1960, the Ulster Gardens Scheme saw various aristocrats and retired military types throw open their garden gates one or two days a year to raise money for various National Trust projects. Some 55 years later the summer programme of garden openings is still going strong with the same aim of sponsoring the trust?s gardening endeavours at the likes of Mount Stewart, Baronscourt and Florence Court, where the landmark summer house is being restored after being destroyed in a malicious fire last year.
The gardens are selected by a committee of 17 amateur enthusiasts and professional experts who scout for gardens in their area. Those on the list – 11 this year – range from the expansive to more diminutive examples, such as the garden of Mr and Mrs McKelvey in Bessbrook, Co Armagh. Last year, through visits and associated plant sales, the scheme raised almost £14,000.
Also running throughout the summer months is the 'by appointment' scheme, whereby participants make their gardens available for large parties who arrange their visit beforehand.
The full list of gardens and those open by appointment, along with dates and directions is available at www.ulstergardensscheme.org.uk but here's a brief summary of what you can see
:: 1 Ballytrustan Road, Downpatrick, Co Down (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2-5pm)
This garden was created over the last five decades of the 20th century by the late Dr McGill. It now belongs to Michael and Geraldine Galloway who are happy to let the public view the noted collection of rhododendrons and disused quarry converted into a large sheltered amphitheatre.
:: Kilcoan Gardens, Islandmagee, Co Antrim (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2-5pm)
Mrs Cherry Townsend's garden has beautiful views over Larne Lough and includes a cottage garden, orchard, vegetable area and herb garden. Organically run, the gardens are full of a diverse range of wildlife, with several wildflower meadows and a small pond.
:: 8 Main Street, Loughbrickland, Co Down (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2-5pm)
Developed over 13 years, Fionnuala and David Cook's garden is hidden from the village and accessed through a backyard decorated with mural paintings and filled with pots and containers. The garden itself is in three parts with trees and shrubs to provide colour and privacy.
:: 3 Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2-5pm)
Expanding to three-quarters of an acre, Patricia and Mike Colohan's garden boasts views towards Fair Head and the Mull of Kintyre. Created in 2002, it features areas of different interest with paths leading through rhododendrons, past the herb bed to a rose garden.
:: Holly Gardens, Nutts Corner, Co Antrim (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2-5pm)
The Hamiltons' six acre Ballyutoag garden is definitely one for tree lovers, with woodland walks, a pond and willow labyrinth. There's also a more contemporary space and patio.
:: 11 Longlands Road, Comber, Co Down (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2-5 pm)
David and Gillian McMurran's cottage style garden is positioned close to Strangford Lough below Scrabo Tower. It has been designed to create all-year-round interest, with a diverse selection of trees, shrubs and perennials.
:: Drumkeeragh House, Dromara, Co Down (Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2-5pm)
Chris and Lynn Heffron's have made their garden in a challenging landscape well above sea level. There's a range of conifers for evergreen cover and form, alongside hostas and hellebores that thrive in the moist rocky ground. The garden is maturing nicely in its mountainous setting.
:: 5 Aldergrange Avenue, Newtownards, Co Down (Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2-5 pm)
Victor and Roz Henry's garden was named winner in last year's Belfast Telegraph’s ‘Bloomin Marvellous’ competition in 2014. The judges described it as a "vibrant paradise, tropical ginger lilies and banana plants giving the garden an exotic feel".
:: Tattykeel House, Omagh, Co Tyrone (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2-5pm)
A country garden of approximately one and a half acres belonging to Hugh and Kathleen Ward, it is planted with conifers, shrubs, roses and perennials. There is a sheltered sitting area, interesting features and a collection of well grown climbers on the house.
:: ‘Dawlish', Lisburn, Co Antrim (Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August 2-5 pm)
Mrs Wilson's country garden offers interesting features at every turn. A wonderful selection of conifers, ornamental trees and shrubs giving all-year-round interest.
