Family activities at Rowallane Garden

Enjoy the autumn colour at Rowallane Garden

As a kaleidoscope of colour fades in Rowallane Garden, it makes way for a burst of autumnal orange. Feel the air getting colder and the wind getting stronger while exploring the garden during its seasonal transformation. We have plenty of things to see and do in the garden this season. From nature walks and family fun, you will find lots of reasons to get out and enjoy yourself.

Plant Hunter’s Passport – Throughout Autumn

Grab a Plant Hunters Passport of Rowallane Garden.
Plant Hunters Passport Rowallane Garden
Grab a Plant Hunters Passport of Rowallane Garden.

Begin your very own Plant Hunter’s adventure as you learn about a range of plants from all over the world. This fun packed activity takes you on a journey throughout history and introduces you to some of the daring plant hunters that first discovered some of the plants and trees waiting to be found in the garden.

You can download your Plant Hunter's Passport in two parts here.

Plant Hunters Passport - Part One (PDF / 3.2MB) download

Plant Hunter's Passport - Part Two (PDF / 2.5MB) download

The plant hunters & folklore – Throughout Autumn

In a time when folklore and superstition was taken more seriously, plant hunters were sent all over the world to find rare, unusual and previously unknown species of plants. At home they would have been familiar with fairies, banshees and noble trees but what fascinating stories and urban legends might they have heard on their travels?

Join us as we explore some of these tales. Starting with local folklore we will take you on a plant hunting journey through the old wood where you will discover folklore brought to life in the garden. As we move into October and on to November, we will be exploring stories with a Chinese twist, taken from the diary pages of famous plant hunters Robert Fortune and Ernest H. Wilson.

Plant Hunter- Ernest Wilson
Plant Hunter- Ernest Wilson
Plant Hunter- Ernest Wilson

Discover some Fascinating Fungi - Throughout Autumn

Uncover fungi lookout zones across the woodland areas and and you'll uncover a broad range of weird and wonderful fungi. They come in dazzling shapes, colours and sizes and they can be found everywhere.

Most of the time, the fungus is hidden from view because it is growing through the soil, under fallen logs or decaying plants. When conditions are just right, which might be once or twice a year, the fungus can form together to create the fruit body of the fungus that we see.

Take yourself on a self-led journey of exploration and discover the hidden nature all around you.

Share your discoveries with us on social media @nationaltrustbelfast

You will not miss the huge 'Sparassis Crispa'; a Cauliflower Fungus. The fruit bodies of Cauliflower Fungus are cream, often with yellowish tints when dry, with white flesh.
Cauliflower Fungus
You will not miss the huge 'Sparassis Crispa'; a Cauliflower Fungus. The fruit bodies of Cauliflower Fungus are cream, often with yellowish tints when dry, with white flesh.
Hunting the Himalayas at Rowallane Garden
Walking trail 

Plant Hunters of Rowallane Garden

Go on a Plant Hunters adventure at Rowallane Garden

A passport to adventure