Glenwherry prairie garden open to public

A Glenwherry couple’s radical departure from the norms of horticulture in Northern Ireland will be open to the public this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September).

Open gardens offer a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public and the Ulster Gardens Scheme has a spectacular array of gardens waiting to be enjoyed this summer.

One of the highlights of the 2013 season will see Hugh Jackson and Judith O’Keeffe open the gates to their wonderful garden at 30A Ballynulto Road, Glenwherry, Co Antrim, BT42 4RJ from 2 to 5pm.

Transplanted Canadians, Judith and Hugh, have accepted the challenges of gardening in clay soil and windy conditions by planting a prairie style garden in the ‘shadow of Slemish’. Grasses, Crocosmia, Astrantia and Cornus Alba are mass planted to form textural masses.

The character of this easily maintained garden changes completely during the autumn and winter with red twig dogwood foil, waving grasses and other seed heads. Stone walls contribute additional texture to this rural site. The garden is mostly suitable for wheelchairs.

Location: A36 Ballymena to Larne, 0.5 miles east of B94 turn left onto Ballynulto Road for 0.8 miles. The garden is on the east side.

Admission £3 – all funds raised help support National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.

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