Whether you enjoy potting up containers of bedding plants for a colourful summer display or love growing delicious fruit and vegetables to share with family and friends, there’s always something new to learn about gardening.
We’ve put together a list of some great events happening in Northern Ireland that will help you improve your gardening skills, increase your knowledge of plants and give you ideas for your own outdoor space.
5. Explore the Walled Garden, Montalto Estate, Co Down - Sunday, June 8
A visit to Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch is the perfect way to reconnect with nature, in a natural, historical, and truly relaxing setting. The Explore the Walled Garden event from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, June 8 offers visitors the chance to step into the beauty of the beautiful walled garden where the head gardener will be on hand to chat, answer gardening questions, and share some of the garden’s most intriguing details. Enjoy wandering through vibrant floral displays, neatly trimmed box hedging, and relax at the picturesque fountain. A Standard Trails & Gardens ticket or membership required for admission. For more details go to montaltoestate.com Photo: Donal Maloney / Tourism Northern Ireland
6. Spring plant fair, Rowallane Garden, Co Down - Saturday, May 3
The stableyard at National Trust's beautiful Rowallane Garden in Saintfield will be the setting for the Spring Plant Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 10am to 4pm. Rowallane's garden team will be joined by a variety of specialist plant nurseries from all over Ireland offering visitors the chance to find the perfect plant for their own gardens. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the rest of Rowallane, one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland, filled with unusual plants, colours and sculptures. The Spring Plant Fair is free and booking is not needed, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Photo: National Trust
7. Guided Garden Walks - The Rhododendron Edition, Mount Stewart, Co Down - Wednesday, May 14
The world famous rhododendron collection at the National Trust's Mount Stewart on the outskirts of Newtownards is a delight for the senses. This special guided garden walk with the estate's gardens team will take visitors on a memorable tour of the sights and smells of the gardens that Edith, Lady Londonderry loved so well. Taking place on Wednesday, May 14 from 1pm to 3pm, the tour will explore this spectacular showcase of rare and vibrant varieties which provide a stunning display of colour and botanical beauty. Those taking part will discover the rich history of how the collection came to Mount Stewart from the hills of the Himalayas and the many varieties that can be found at the estate. Admission applies in addition to the ticket price for non-members. Booking is essential. To find out more, go to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart/events Photo: Andrew Hall / unsplash
8. Walled Garden Open, The Argory, Co Armagh - weekly from Friday, June 6 to August 29
Usually closed to the public, the walled garden at The Argory near Dungannon will be open every Friday in June, July, and August from 11am to 5pm. The walled garden was built as a way to protect the valuable kitchen garden from frost and harsh winds. Now, National Trust volunteers use it to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs for use in the café. Visitors will be able to see at first hand the hard work that The Argory's wonderful volunteers have put into restoring the walled garden to its former glory. There is no need to book and entry to the walled garden open event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. For more details, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/the-argory Photo: unsplash