Ulster Gardens Scheme

The Ulster gardens Scheme raises funds for special projects in National Trust gardens within Northern Ireland through the opening of privately owned gardens to the public in a series of open days or visits arranged by appointment. The Ulster Gardens Scheme grew from an idea conceived by Lady O’Neill and a group of friends in 1969.

The scheme gives all of its earnings to be used for work in National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland. This work does not include routine maintenance; instead the money is used for special jobs such as building a new, safe, but aesthetically pleasing bridge over a stream in the grounds of Florence Court, Co Fermanagh or rebuilding crumbling brick walls in the walled garden at Rowallane, Co Down.

Without the financial support of the Ulster Gardens Scheme there would be little possibility of these jobs being undertaken.