Open garden event this weekend

DUNKIRK Road residents Brian and Shirley McKnight are opening ther garden to the public at the weekend as part of a National Trust scheme.

Open Gardens offers 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.

To celebrate the launch of the 2012 season visitors are invited to Brian and Shirley’s garden near Waringstown on Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm. Come along to ‘Grovehill’, 101 Dunkirk Road, Lurgan, BT66 7AR to see this wonderful garden.

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This delightful garden started its development in 1966 when the lawns were completed with the first planting of whip trees and shrubbery in the autumn. Varieties of trees planted included Oak, Beech, Birch, Lime and Ash. Since then many other features have been established such as a Follies Garden and Arboretum, an Italian Garden, a Japanese Garden, an Arizona Garden and much, much more. The garden is made up of 4.5 acres of lawns, 3.5 acres of shrubbery and trees, 1 kilometre of walkways and a pond with Mallard ducks. The garden is suitable for wheelchairs.

What better way to spend a balmy summer’s day than wandering around other people’s secret paradises and relaxing with a cup of tea, which will be provided by First Lurgan Girl Guides. Whether you have a special interest in plants and garden design or simply enjoy beautiful and unusual plants in attractive combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy including the melodic tunes of Laganvale Brass Band on Sunday from 2.30 to 5pm and the opportunity to buy a plant from the plant stall.

For further information or a copy of the 2012 Ulster Gardens Scheme leaflet please contact: National Trust, Rowallane House, Saintfield, Co. Down, BT24 7LH or telephone 028 9751 0721.

Admission £3.

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