New Garden Adventure

Above: we begin to draft ideas for a bedding scheme.

A great opportunity! I've recently joined a newly established garden club and we'll be designing (and maintaining) a substantial sized area in the Antrim Castle Gardens estate, which is located north of Belfast in beautiful surroundings. We're a group of 15 individuals who have come together randomly (i.e. from an open call for interested parties). We all have an interest in gardening, and we're  from diverse backgrounds, age and skill level. Our group has two main tasks: (1) design and maintain several bedding areas and (2) design and maintain a vegetable plot.

Above: This is a photo of the garden / buildings plan for the area  The boxes outlined in red above are some of the areas our garden group will be responsible for. In addition, we have several areas for growing vegetables. This is a brand new voluntary garden project with the wider aim of involving and engaging the local community. (The area is owned by the local Council / government). This project will be a big learning experience. Already I have gained skills in how to measure an area and draw it out to scale. We also have access to an expert who gives us guidance (on a temporary basis) on garden design and horticulture.

Above Right: The empty beds to the right are two of the areas we will be designing, planting up and maintaining. These areas are a main public throughway to the park and grounds so the goal is to make them pleasing in terms of colour, deign and interest. We'll be planting these with a range of flowers (the Council pays for the plants). I had hoped we could mix flowers and vegetables but this is the first year of the project and it was felt this idea was a bit ambitious. However, we have a designated area for growing veggies as well.

Above: The greenhouse above is for our volunteer garden group to use. You may also notice  an empty bed above which is another of our group's areas to maintain. The box hedging is the responsibility of the council.

I'm quite excited about being involved in this project so I thought I'd share it with you. As things develop, I will share more details. Our group will definitely be busy over the coming months! Click here if you want to know more about Antrim Castle Gardens.

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