Spring into nature at Rowallane Garden

It is the perfect time to get outdoors and reconnect with nature as Rowallane Garden bursts into life. Come for a walk, explore the garden and take in all the vibrant colours and fresh scents. As you explore the garden, check out the range of activity we have planned to celebrate the season.

Spring Mindfulness Walk - Throughout Spring - 10am - 6pm

Through the hustle and bustle of daily life, there are multiple pockets of peace to be found in places all around us. This spring, come and experience the garden by having a go at practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness can be practised anywhere, at any time of day. Created as a form of meditation, it asks you to take notice of each of the five senses in your body, including your own breathing, bringing your complete attention into the current moment.

Step out in to the garden, amongst the blossom and look out for mindfulness tips we've left out for you to discover.

From books to Blossom - Rowallane Garden a history in photographs

As you enjoy the blossom across the garden stop and look at the present through the past. We've dug into our collection and selected historic photographs that give us a glimpse of how the garden looked in both its formative years and at the height of its fame.

See the garden as Hugh Armytage Moore did. Printed on transparent panels gaze at Rowallane's past into the present day. Has much changed?

Creativity Blossoms in the barn

Come along and see a collection of photographs celebrating the special places we look after at National Trust Belfast. We've teamed up with Comber Photography Club to host an exhibtion showcasing creativity in nature.

Want to get involed? Share your photographs with us on social media @nationaltrustbelfast

Rowallane's Daffodil Collection, Guided Walk and Talk - 5 April - 11:30am and 2pm

Previously a member of the Rowallane Garden team, our friend and Head Gardener of Castlewellan, Alwyn Sinnamon will be visiting the garden to host a guided tour of our daffodil collection. Having completed extensive research, helping us identify a variety of species across the garden, Alwyn is perfectly suited to show you the magic of the humble daffodil.

Spring Plant Fair - 20 - 21 May - 10am - 4pm

The Spring Plant Fair returns to Rowallane Garden. Situated in and around the Stableyard, our Garden Team will be joined by an array of specialist plant nurseries from all over Ireland giving you every excuse to find the perfect plant for your collection.

Celtic Grace - Spring Mindfulness Sessions - 24 May - 10:30am, 1pm & 3.30pm -

Celtic Grace return to Rowallane for spring mindfulness sessions in the garden. Talk a mindful meander through the blossom to centre yourself then emerse yourself in nature during one of these specially crafted blossom themed sessions. Each session lasts roughly two hours - locations may vary depending on weather.

Fun in the Garden - 22 May throughout June

As we prepare to enter summer its time to have some fun in the garden. The kids arent off school yet so look out for games for the child at heart. Adults can have fun too and here at Rowallane Garden, we encourage it.

Things to look out for in Spring

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons can be seen flowering at Rowallane throughout the year, even when much of the garden is still in its winter sleep. The purple pink blooms of the delightful Rhododendron mucronulatum stand out against the yellow walls of the house as early (or late) as December.

Look out for the gorgeous, creamy, waxy blooms of Rhododendron macabeanum while you’re driving up the avenue. The delicately scented blooms of Rhododendron ‘cilipinense’ and Rhododendron moupinense dotted about the garden are a welcome sight in the early stages of spring.

We have a stunning display throughout the garden but particularly on the spring ground which lasts from early spring until late summer starting with the cool whites, pinks and mauves of the delicate Rhododendron triflorums in the spring, through to the yellows, pinks and reds of the summer, many filling the air with their delicious fragrance.

Be sure to come along this spring and spot all the lovely pinks and whites that can be seen all throughout the garden this spring and summer.

Daffodils

Did you know that we have our own variety of Daffodil known as 'Narcissus Rowallane'? Long celebrated in art and literature, narcissi are associated with a number of themes in different cultures, ranging from death to good fortune, and as symbols of spring.

Narcissus is a genus of predominantly spring perennial plants in the Amaryllis family, The name 'Daffodil' is derived from 'affodell', a variant of asphodel. The narcissus was frequently, referred to as the asphodel and from at least the 16th century, 'Lent Lily' and "Daffydowndilly" have appeared as alternative names

Narcissus were well known in ancient civilisation. The genus is generally considered to have about ten sections with approximately 50 species. The exact origin of the name Narcissus is unknown, but it is often linked to a Greek word for intoxicated (narcotic) and the myth of the youth of that name who fell in love with his own reflection.

Magnolia Heaven

Many of the wonderfully showy magnolias are in full flower in April and May. Colours range from pure white through to deep pinks with some flowers reaching over 20 cm across.

Magnolias put on a spectacular display and draw you in from far away. These magnificent flowering trees and shrubs are native to South East Asia, Himalaya and from North America to Brazil. They really stand out at a time of year when they have little competition.

Rowallane has 15 different species of magnolias across the Garden. Many large trees dating back to the early 1900s. They can be found throughout the walled garden, outer walled garden and the spring ground.

The Fabled Handkerchief Tree

Known botanically as Davidia involucrata vilmoriniana, it was first discovered by a French missionary, David in 1896, but was introduced by Ernest Wilson in 1904.

The handkerchief tree, located in the hospital, is cloaked in tremendous white flowers - which do indeed resemble white handkerchiefs hanging from the branches. With a surrogate vision in mind, it has also been referred to as the dove tree. When rustled by a light breeze, the flowers give an impression which resembles a flock of white birds smoothly quivering their wings.

The branches can be observed growing horizontally, and ranks of white handkerchiefs adorn the tree. Upon closer inspection, the heads of the flower are most peculiar. In the middle, a band of purple anthers, surrounded by an inch-wide corona of light green petals can be seen. The characteristic white "handkerchief" is actually made up of two white bracts or modified leaves, rather than actual petals.

The Handkerchief Tree blossoms in mid to late May - be sure you don't miss it and take a walk around the hospital during your visit.