Dates for you Diary.

The final two Open Gardens in 2016 are as follows:

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July 2–5pm

Mr John and Mrs Erica Lund
Orchard Garth, Old Kilmore Road, Moira, BT67 0LZ

This one acre garden has never before been open to the public. Created over the past 20 years, the garden is an attractive melange of lawn, shrubs and herbaceous plants. The owners have transformed a field and have replanted an orchard and provided a shelter belt of native trees. A pond, with fish and other pond wildlife, was created out of an old railway bridge which had stood on the Kilmore Road in Lurgan. An old family statue of Master McGrath presides over the pond and spacious terrace. Vegetables
are grown in raised beds and there are splendid herbaceous borders. The garden is full of colour and variety with garden seats to provide rest and the opportunity to enjoy bird life in an individual and special place. Partially suitable for wheelchairs.

Location: Exit M1 at Junction 9 and take A3 into Moira Village. At top of village take the Old Kilmore Road exit off roundabout. The garden is one mile from the roundabout and there is parking in an adjoining field. 
Plant Stall / Teas

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August 2–5pm

Professor and Mrs James Nixon
48 Ballydorn Road, Killinchy, BT23 6QB

In a favoured position on Strangford Lough, between a windswept drumlin and the tidal Dorn, the artist Katherine Nixon has created a diverse range of chemical-free ‘little habitats’. These include a forager’s greywacke foreshore; the stack-yard of the original farm with hay barn, stable and potager; a sheltered courtyard garden; a five acre, wetland and wildlife sanctuary with well, pond, copses, two meadows and perennial plantings. These sustain wildlife and pollinators such as James Nixon’s black native Irish bees. There are breathtaking views from the highest point. During the month of August an exhibition of work by invited artists will be held in the studios and garden. (Tel: 028 9754 3336 for art exhibition appointment). Wheelchair access to most of garden.

Location: On A22 Comber to Killyleagh Road turn left into Beechvale Road at Balloo House. Go through Killinchy Village onto Whiterock Road. Having come round Whiterock Bay northwards from Killinchy, continue past the red lightship ‘Petrel’ and park on the roadside/field.
Plant Stall / Teas