If a florist Belfast is looking for inspiration which can enhance their arrangements, there is a solution – visit as many gardens as possible. There are scores of gardens in Northern Ireland which are looked after by professionals that are open to the public. Here are some of them:
Antrim Castle
Originally designed in the 17th century, the water gardens of Antrim Castle are remarkable. Antrim Castle not only has a canal and a round pond but also paths which are lined by flowers that flow in and out of Antrim Castle – an ancient site which now lays in ruins.
Belfast Botanical Gardens
First opened in 1839, Belfast Botanical Gardens has one of the oldest cast iron conservatories in Europe. Palm trees are at the Belfast Botanical Gardens and it also has a tropical ravine. Belfast Botanical Gardens’ high walkway enables visitors to see tropical plants from the air.
Mount Stewart House
Garden designs from many European countries are at Mount Stewart House. A combination of Mediterranean fauna and UK wooded areas gives Mount Stewart House a unique appearance. Open throughout the year apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Mount Stewart House is a great place to visit during the summer and have a picnic at.
Benvarden
Located in County Antrim, Benvarden is a red brick walled garden. Fruit trees and herbaceous borders are at these lovely gardens which also has a woodland pond.
Glenarm Castle
One of the oldest walled gardens in Ireland, Glenarm Castle was restored in 2005 which has led to an increase in visitor figures. There are scores of water features at Glenarm Castle and it now has many herbaceous borders too.
Belfast International Rose Garden
Over 45,000 individual blooms are at the Belfast International Rose Garden. A huge variety of roses are on display which can give gardeners an idea about what roses should be grown next year.
The Argory
More than three hundred acres of wooded estate are at the Argory which was originally built in the 1920’s and it has a brace of formal gardens. One is full of roses whereas the other has tropical plants. The Argory also overlooks the River Blackwater which can be the perfect setting for a romantic walk surrounded by some of the finest fauna in Northern Ireland.
Gosford Forest Park
The first conservation forest in Northern Ireland and 240 acres in size, it has a walled garden which originally dates from the 1800’s. Pear trees which were growing then still exist now. It has several walking trails which families can enjoy together.
Tully Castle
Plants which have been grown in Ireland since the 17th century are at Tully Castle. Although it is now in ruins, a formal garden has been created in its grounds.
Peatlands Park
A park on the shores of Lough Neigh, Peatlands Park was established to highlight the unique fauna which Northern Ireland’s bogland are renowned for. A breathtaking landscape, many of the species of fauna at Peatlands Park aren’t found anywhere else in Northern Ireland.