The Northern group of the IGPS organised a visit to Glenarm Castle Gardens in Co. Antrim and had almost 50 members and friends in attendance on what proved to be a most enjoyable tour of a really stunning garden. This is an historic site dating to about 1820 with strong design elements, fabulous herbaceous colour combinations, and immaculate maintenance – led by Reg Maxwell, the garden adviser.

The photographs and captions from Barbara Kelso and Maeve Bell tell the story!

Hot border. Herbaceous border filled with bright reds, pinks, oranges and yellows throughout the season; from tulips and peonies in early summer to bright dahlias and penstemons later in the season. Barbara Kelso
Hot border. Herbaceous border filled with bright reds, pinks, oranges and yellows throughout the season; from tulips and peonies in early summer to bright dahlias and penstemons later in the season. Barbara Kelso
West facing border, the pleached lime trees have all been recently hand pruned.  Barbara Kelso
West facing border, the pleached lime trees have all been recently hand pruned. Barbara Kelso
Large white flower heads of Hydrangea 'Annabelle'.  Barbara Kelso
Large white flower heads of Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’. Barbara Kelso
Double herbaceous 'cool' borders. Beyond is the Yew Circle, which surrounds the herb garden.  This circular hedge is one of the oldest features of the garden, dating back to the 1820's.  Barbara Kelso
Double herbaceous ‘cool’ borders. Beyond is the Yew Circle, which surrounds the herb garden. This circular hedge is one of the oldest features of the garden, dating back to the 1820’s. Barbara Kelso
View of one side of the garden from the mount. It also provides a panoramic view of the countryside around - 'borrowed landscape'. Barbara Kelso
View of one side of the garden from the mount. It also provides a panoramic view of the countryside around – ‘borrowed landscape’. Barbara Kelso
Apple orchard and wildflower meadow. The Obelisk was created by a local craftsman out of oak. Barbara Kelso
Apple orchard and wildflower meadow. The Obelisk was created by a local craftsman out of oak. Barbara Kelso
Crab apple trees beautifully under planted with hardy and half hardy annuals. Barbara Kelso
Crab apple trees beautifully under planted with hardy and half hardy annuals. Barbara Kelso
Stipa gigantea and verbena bonariensis are lovely together. Barbara Kelso
Stipa gigantea and verbena bonariensis are lovely together. Barbara Kelso
Pear trees trained on the circular metal railing. Barbara Kelso
Pear trees trained on the circular metal railing. Barbara Kelso
MAEVE 2_1
A colourful patch of annuals planted in a square at the base of a fruit tree; they have been designed to succeed the tulips which occupy the space earlier in the year and are at their peak during Glenarm’s annual Tulip Festival over the May Day weekend. Maeve Bell
Members enjoying the day. Maeve Bell
Members enjoying the day. Maeve Bell