By the time Friday arrived last week, after a challenging time at work, I was eager to be out in the fresh air enjoying the lovely spell of warm weather that has settled over Northern Ireland in the last few days. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon than a trip to Garden Show Ireland. I am always happiest in the sunshine and amongst the flowers !
Garden Show Ireland is an annual event. It’s a celebration of flowers and plants, local food and artisan crafts held at the wonderful Antrim Castle Gardens. There is something for everyone, with entertainment for children and adults and talks and demonstrations on all things horticultural. I was happy to mingle among the crowds and soak up the atmosphere. And while enjoying the sun’s rays, I wandered from stall to stall admiring the huge variety of flowers and plants for sale.
Things that caught my eye
Here are just a few of the things that caught my eye….
A garden inspired by CS Lewis and the land of Narnia. For those of you who don’t know, CS Lewis was born in Belfast and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is one of my all time favourite books.
A festival of flowers and plants
I just had to stop and say hello to Dave the Dachshund…isn’t he cute ?
Pretty in pink..the welcome sight of an ice cream van on a warm afternoon.
A pretty spot to read amongst the primulas…
So on trend at the moment…a display of succulents.
The Martello Jazz Band on the veranda of the tea pavilion. They played at my wedding and it was just so lovely to hear them again !
This beautiful big doggie eyeing up the food tent or thirsty for a wee drop of cider perhaps ?
In summary
With the sun shining, I felt like I was abroad, but no, I had only travelled half an hour down the motorway. It’s great to enjoy such events on your own doorstep. Sometimes you don’t have to travel too far to feel like you are on holiday and to have a great experience. And I was definitely in my element here! All in all, a wonderful afternoon. If you live locally, today is the last day so pop down if you can for a visit and lots of gardening inspiration. I highly recommend it. For more information, you can visit the Garden Show Ireland website here.
Thanks for stopping by,
Paula
Useful Links
Other gardening related posts you could enjoy:-
A visit to Rowallane: A National Trust Garden in N Ireland
Looks like the perfect day. Flowers are always so lovely to photograph. I love the Aslan. Always nice to meet cute dogs. š
It was the perfect day. All my favourite things in one place š