Do you know your acers from your aspidistra, your roses from your rhododendrons, or your shrubs from your weeds?
The National Trust, one of the guardians of so many superb gardens in Northern Ireland, is about to undertake a huge survey of its gardens to ensure that we know what we care for, and the charity is inviting the public to come along and get involved in a week of activity from 26 – 31 January 2009.
Supported by Yorkshire Bank, the Trust will undertake Outdoor Programme Plant Surveys at Mount Stewart, near Newtownards and Rowallane Garden in Saintfield from 26 – 29 January. During the week the Trust will train volunteers and staff on plant records and how to survey garden plants as part of a Trust wide initiative.
© National Trust
The week of surveying and plant recording will culminate in a 'great plant hunt' at Mount Stewart on Saturday 31 January. At the Mount Stewart event, supporters can come along and have a go at plant recording, plant surveys, plant identification and photographing our garden plants.
We will supply all the technical equipment required. Also on the day, visitors can discover their own Mount Stewart garden and join in their garden trails and activities, including an arts project. Interpretive gardeners, garden staff and volunteers will be on hand to give advice and guidance. The garden will also host a number of family activities all with a gardening theme.
The 'great plant hunt' is part of a £1.5 million sponsorship deal for National Trust Gardens from Yorkshire Bank, which is focused on developing a partnership to further the ‘green’ aims of both organisations.
Commenting ahead of the regional plant survey and the ‘great plant hunt’ on 31 January, Jon Kerr Property Manager at Mount Stewart, said:
'The Trust and Yorkshire Bank recognise that climate change is one of the greatest challenges we will face, and is likely to change the way we garden and how gardens will look in future.'
© National Trust
'The first place we may notice climate change is in our gardens – as seasons, growing conditions and weather patterns change and we experience more extremes. By undertaking these plant surveys and the 'great plant hunt' The National Trust will gain a greater understanding of what we have in our plant collections, what we care for, what plants are thriving and where plants are at risk. This will really help us plan better for our planting and give us a good feel for what we care for currently.'
'The event will give our supporters the opportunity to come and have a go, but we would and also like to use the event to see if we can recruit additional volunteers to help with the plant surveys in Northern Ireland, so that the survey work can continue throughout the year.' Jon concluded.
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