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Things to do in Autumn at Rowallane Garden

Children playing in the autumn leaves at Rowallane Garden, County Down
Children playing in the autumn leaves at Rowallane Garden | © National Trust Images/John Millar

As the kaleidoscope of colour fades in Rowallane Garden, it makes way for a burst of autumnal orange, yellows and purples. The leaves begin to fall leaving a crisp carpet of hues under foot. Join us this Autumn and experience the magic of seasonal change. We have a host of activities to keep you warm as the air begins to cool and the days grow shorter.

A Treemendous Walk - Throughout Autumn

Take a walk amongst towering trees, drifts of colour and fallen leaves throughout the garden. Look a little closer at some of the trees in our collection this autumn.

This self guided walk takes you through the garden to look at some of our trees as their leaves begin to change and put on autumnal displays before carpeting the ground underfoot in an array of hues.

Embark on a Treemendous walk with us. Pick up your copy from the Welcome area or Rowallane House.

Leaf Spotter Sheets - Throughout Autumn

Autumn has arrived. Leaves are starting to change colour and fall from the trees. Look around you at the autumn colours. Feel the crisp carpet of leaves under your feet.

We invite you to explore the garden in search of different shaped leaves. Can you find everything on our leaf spotter sheet?

European Heritage Open Days

We’re taking part at Rowallane Garden. Pay us a visit and emerge yourself in nature.

Join in the fun with European Heritage Open Days (EHOD), Northern Ireland’s annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture!

Next weekend, 9-10th September, immerse yourself in a weekend of discovery and adventure, all with FREE entry.

Meet the Gardener - 13 & 27 September - 11am - 12pm & 1pm - 2 pm

Either side of the Autumn Plant Fair on 23 September, you have the opportunity to pop along and Meet the Gardener.

Are you just starting out with gardening? Do you have a specific question about planting, propagation or anything else garden related?

Come along and our garden team will be on hand to help you pave your way to garden success.

Autumn Plant Fair - 23 September

Join us to mark the changing of the seasons at Rowallane Garden as the Autumn Plant Fair returns to the Stableyard.

Pop along to Rowallane Garden on 23 September for the Autumn Plant Fair. Take a piece of Rowallane home with you as our Garden Team will be on hand sharing top tips and selling plants grown right here in this special place. They will be joined by a host of specialist nurseries and local traders. You will find something for every garden at this plant lovers haven.

Search for Autumn Colours - From October

Immerse yourself in colour this Autumn. Grab a colour wheel sheet and set off into the garden in search of a host of colours waiting for you.

Can you find an object to match with each colour on your colour wheel?

Concertina Nature Book Workshop - 6 October

A workshop exploring nature printing using hand-printing and printing press to create prints on both fabric and paper, to create a beautiful and unique nature books inspired by the seasons, folklore and local landscape.

In this session you will work with native foliage and a variety of mark-making and printmaking processes to create a concertina nature book, which explores the symbolism and meaning associated with native plants. Artist Ruth Osborne will guide you through a variety of processes using a range of materials including inks, watercolours and charcoal, and working on a variety of papers and fabrics. The artworks can be collaged together to create a beautiful nature book.

Tickets are available through the link.

Concertina Nature Book Workshop | National Trust

A Magical Autumn - 16 October - 5 November

Irish folklore isn't all fairies and leprechauns. Some of it is pretty spooky. Do you dare venture into the garden in search of monsters from Irish folklore?

Samhain is upon us and the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. Come and join us for a spooktacular time on our Halloween walk. Look out for bats in the Stableyard, take in Autumnal displays with a spooky twist and see if you can find all the hauntingly ghoulish pictures we've hidden across the garden.

Autumn Tree Magic - 21 October

Step into the garden and explore the magic and meaning behind some of the trees in our collection. On this guided walk through the garden take a moment to ground yourself, appreciate nature and celebrate autumn in all its glory.

Meditate a moment, step out of your busy life and find relaxation in nature.

Tickets available via the link - coming soon.