Over 1,000 attend open weekends at Bellefield gardens

Two open weekends which took place recently at Bellefield Gardens in Shinrone attracted a hugely positive response from the public, with over 1,000 people attending.

The 'snowdrop weekends' were held in February at the historic house and walled gardens bequeathed by the late Angela Jupe, who died in May 2021, to the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI).

It was Angela's wish that the gardens would be open for visitors to enjoy and that they would be used as a location for training . The RHSI, which is a registered charity run by volunteers, said it was "privileged to be the recipient of Angela's extraordinary generosity," and was delighted that the renowned plantsman, Paul Smyth, is now back at Bellefield as head-gardener.

Paul worked in the garden as a student and also after he qualified, and was a friend of Angela's, so he knows the garden well.

Looking to the future, the RHSI said it is planning to run events and courses to appeal to a wide range of garden interests and to fulfil Angela's wishes that the garden be used for education, including student placements, hobby-based courses and lectures.

"We hope that Bellefield will become a focus for people with an interest in plants and horticulture and that it will contribute to the Offaly region by encouraging visitors into the area from near and far," the society said.

It added it was "delighted" with the positive response to the recent open weekends,.

"It was great to see so many people visiting the garden and we were delighted to hear so many encouraging comments about the beauty of the place and the exciting plans we have for the future," the society said. Further weekend openings are planned this year, and the details will be made available on the RHSI website, at: www.rhsi.ie

The walled garden will be tended by Paul Smyth along with a dedicated group of volunteers who have been involved in preparing the garden for the recent open weekends. People interested in volunteering should email: bellefield@rhsi.ie