We will visit two gardens on this occasion:
NUMBER 1: At 11.00a.m.: KATHERINE NIXON’S GARDEN, 48 BALLYDORN ROAD, KILLINCHY, COUNTY DOWN BT23 6QB
This young garden on Strangford Lough explores a range of habitats across five acres from saltwater to boulder clay.
At the water’s edge, the artist Katherine Nixon has defined a landmark barn, original stackyard and potager. Further south-west, a courtyard collection of flowering shrubs and perennials, mostly scented and many from the house in south County Dublin where Katherine was born. These provide all-year-round privacy, shelter and a succession of tableaux vivants .
On the other side of the Ballydorn Road, two small chemical-free meadows, copses, a well and turlough support an increasing variety of wildlife including self-sown orchids and James Nixon’s honey bees. There are amazing open views from the top of the drumlin. Elsewhere, everywhere, a fine balance is struck between containment and seeing through to the wider world.
This is a sensual garden at every level. PLEASE DO TOUCH, smell, taste, look and listen..
N.B. Very limited parking on roadside. Suggest leave cars at Public Car Park on main Whiterock Road opposite Daft Eddy’s and double up for last leg to the verge by the field opposite the garden. No parking in lane.
Shelter in barn and conservatory for those who wish to bring a picnic.
Light lunches suggestions, Daft Eddy’s Café or Restaurant; Mufflers at Balloo; Old Post Office, Lisbane.
ADMISSION ~~~ KATHERINE HAS GENEROUSLY DECIDED THAT NO ADMISSION FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE VISIT, WE ARE ALL HER GUESTS!
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2.30PM
NUMBER 2 at 2.30p.m. KNOX GASS ‘ GARDEN, 5 BALLY MORRAN RD. KILLINCHY, COUNTY DOWN, BT23 4SD
The Gass’s moved to this garden just nine years ago, so you need to view it as a young project.
Knox is attempting to divide it up into various areas, but this still requires time to become effective. There is a small ‘woodland’ area, a large lawn bordered by shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders each timed for different seasons, a fruit cage, propagation and a composting area. There are still corners where work is ongoing in this evolving garden.
Knox is looking forward to our visit and anticipates that you will encounter some plants with which you are unfamiliar.
PARKING IS DIFFICULT SO CAR SHARING WILL BE ESSENTIAL FROM YOUR CHOSEN LUNCH VENUE
ADMISSION ~~~MEMBERS AND VISITORS £3.00
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE VISIT WILL GO TO THE NATIONAL TRUST