 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Garden visits main menu >>>
Mount Stewart has been described as one of the finest gardens in Britain. When Lady Londonderry handed over a portion of the gardens to the National Trust in Northern Ireland in 1956, she did so very much with the future in mind. She understood that gardens needed to be lived in and enjoyed and she hoped that by handing the gardens into the care of the National Trust in Northern Ireland they would become a source of pleasure for generations to come. Garden Background:
The Garden: The climate in this part of Northern Ireland is similar to that in Devon and Cornwall. Lady Londonderry soon realized that the climate was kind to many half-hardy shrubs and the more tender species of Rhododendron which one would only usually find in greenhouses. This is one of the most exciting things about this garden. You are immediately struck by the tropical planting, Acacia trees, Lapagerias, Banksian roses, Eucalyptus and Cordylines, palm trees and Bamboo. With its sub-tropical climate, growing conditions are excellent. This is another garden blessed by the Gulf Stream, which runs up the Irish Sea. The result is stunning. The series of gardens, each very distinctive in style, gently lead into each other. The Sunken Garden with its border of Azaleas, geometric beds and pergola. On into the Shamrock Garden with its Red Hand of Ulster, planted with Begonia 'Red Devil'. The Lily Wood where you will find Rhododendrons, tree ferns and all variety of Meconopsis, Primulas and Hostas. The Spanish Garden, adapted from the floor of the Temple of the Winds, is peaceful and delightful. On into the Peace Garden with its rare New Zealand trees. The Mairi Garden is a stone garden in the shape of a Tudor rose. It was in this garden that the youngest daughter of the Londonderry's was left to sleep in her pram. Her name was Mairi and in the centre you will find a delightful statue of her. The Dodo Terrace excites with several fine stone figures of animals and an Ark, depicting the famous Ark Club, a distinguished group of people who used to come to the house in the thirties including people such as Sir Winston Churchill. And still there is more. The Italian Garden, which runs the length of the house, is just stunning. Here you will find beds of wonderful colour, reds, pinks, yellows, blues and scarlets. And finally the drive with more varieties of Rhodendron. The more energetic can go on to the Lake Walk and and on to the hill Tir Nan Og. There is still lots more to see even after this extensive route including the Rock Walk, the Ladies' Walk and Rhododendron Hill. Mount Stewart demands a full day visit, less is a travesty and you will come back with lovely memories of a delightful garden. Inspiration: Effective use of trees and shrubs for impact. Getting the "Wow" factor with colour. How to get there: Mount Stewart is on the east shore of Strangford Lough, 5m SE of Newtonards on the Belfast-Portaferry Road (A20). For further information send sae or telephone: The Public Affairs Manager, Co. Down BT24 7LH. Tel: (028) 97 510721 © Reckless Gardener Magazine 2005 Mill Cottage New Media |
Mount Stewart - a treasure in Northern Ireland 
The garden is the inspiration of Edith, Lady Londonderry, who came to live at Mount Stewart in 1921. Lord Londonderry became the Minister of Education in the first Ulster Parliament in 1921 and subsequently over the years the Londonderry's were to play host to many of Britain's major politicians and statesmen.Lady Londonderry became a well-known society hostess during the 1920s and 30s. When she came to Mount Stewart she thought the house and surroundings were the 'dampest, darkest and saddest place I had ever stayed in during the winter.' During demobilization after the First World War Ulster landlords were asked to employ as many extra labourers as possible. This was Lady Londonderry's opportunity to plan and make the grounds into the beautiful and cherished estate it is today.Buy Online |