By Lisa Ramsden
A talented Drumaness gardener, who has skilfully developed a four-acre site over almost three decades, will open the grounds up to the public this summer to raise funds for charity.
Brigid McDonald has extended a warm invite to her carefully curated garden, at 61 Crawfordstown Road. The site recently featured in the BBC NI ‘Greatest Gardens’ series and is also included in Shirley Lanigan’s ‘The 100 Best Gardens in Ireland’ hardback.
Having previously participated in The National Garden Scheme, which gives the public access to over 3,300 private gardens, this is the fourth time Brigid will open the grounds to the public and the first year she has a nominated charity, MS Society Northern Ireland.
In addition to two open days, which will run from 10am until 6pm on 27 and 28 June, she will be delighted to welcome visitors throughout the summer months for a guided tour of the site, as well as some delicious homemade traybakes, teas and coffee. All Brigid asks in return is a £10 charity donation per visitor.
Brigid, who is treasurer of Ballynahinch Gardening Club, explained that when she and her husband bought the site it was nothing more than “scrubland, gorse and rocky outcrops.”
However, she has used these rocks to her advantage, utilising them as a backdrop to interweave areas of planting as well as using the ruins of a cottage to create a seating area.
The recently retired social worker is proud of the site and admits that developing it over the years has been “a bit of a labour of love”.
With a passion, and obvious flair for gardening, Brigid adds that an element of trial and error also played a role over the years.
“We have lived here 27 years, and I’ve been carefully developing it in that time.
“It’s a very open and sunny, as well as an exposed site, so initially there was a bit of learning on the job when it came to choosing trees and plants that were suitable for growing in this climate,” continued Brigid.
“The bedrock and outcrops frame the garden, they are a very natural and dominant feature, and that hold a special quality.”
Extending a warm welcome to visitors, she added that if people are unable to attend over next month’s two-day event, she will be delighted to accommodate them at any stage in the summer.
“I look forward to being able to give tours of the garden, while raising funds for a very worthwhile cause,” Brigid concluded.
Pre-booking is essential for any visit and off-road parking will be available. In addition, a selection of plants will be available to purchase.
Anyone wishing to visit Brigid’s Garden can make a reservation by e-mail at brigidmcdonald@btinternet.com or phone 07470 728803.
