Grey Abbey House, on Saturday 25 June 2–5pm

William and Daphne Montgomery
Grey Abbey House, Greyabbey, Newtownards, BT22 2QA

Situated on the Ards Peninsula, Grey Abbey House has been in the possession of the Montgomery family since 1607. The micro climate provided by Strangford Lough means that a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants flourish in the gardens. As well as the parkland landscape there are two orchards containing unusual varieties of apple trees, a working walled vegetable garden, herbaceous and shrub rose borders, and a southern hemisphere garden. Partially suitable for wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome, on leads.

Location: The village of Greyabbey is situated half way down the western shore of the Ards peninsula, 3 miles from the National Trust House and Gardens at Mount Stewart, 7 miles south of Newtownards and 11 miles north of Portaferry. The ferry from Strangford to Portaferry goes every half hour during the day, on the hour and half hour from Strangford, and quarter to and quarter past the hour from Portaferry. The entrance to Grey Abbey House and Gardens is through the square on the main street between the Wildfowler Inn and school.
Plant Stall / Teas

Blessingbourne Estate on Sunday 26 June 2–5pm

Colleen and Nick Lowry
Blessingbourne Estate, Murley Road, Fivemiletown, BT75 0QS

‘Blessingbourne Country Estate, where the Manor House majestically overlooks Lough Fadda’. The tranquil location is complimented by a back drop of mature woodlands and delightful gardens featuring a terrace, lawns and borders with sunken garden. There are large mature Yew trees and Holm oak standing at the front of the house. Learn about the rich historical past of the estate and view the memory garden currently being developed to commemorate the American Army who were based at Blessingbourne during the Second World War. Take a walk around the 4km walking trails, discover the remnants of Mary Montgomery’s Rock Garden and beautiful Rhododendron walk. Partially suitable for wheelchairs.

Location: From Belfast take the M1 and continue onto A4. At Ballygawley roundabout continue on A4 towards Enniskillen. Go through Augher and Clogher and enter Fivemiletown. At roundabout turn right onto Murley Road, signposted Fintona B122 and Omagh. Stay on Murley Road (B122) and look for Ulster Gardens Scheme signs. From Maguiresbridge take A4 and enter Fivemiletown. Follow signs for Clogher and Belfast A4. At T junction turn left onto Murley Road. Follow UlsterGardens Scheme signs.
Plant Stall / Teas