Last Saturday I spent a lovely morning at Kilcoan Gardens, a family run garden situated on the Islandmagee peninsula, approximately 40 minutes or so from Belfast. I was there for their ‘Autumn Abundance’ course, to learn how to make an autumn wreath and create an autumn posy.
About the garden
Kilcoan Gardens is an organic garden extending to 5 acres, made up of a cottage garden, vegetable and herb areas, an orchard and several meadows. Shortly after 10 am, when everyone had gathered in the barn, we ventured out into the blustery weather to get a tour of the garden. Although it was a little soggy underfoot from the persistent rain we have had these past few weeks, the garden was still looking lovely and full of colour. And so, of course, I lingered behind the rest of the group to take a few photographs.
A few photographs taken on our walk around Kilcoan Gardens
Wreath making
Having finished our tour, it was back to the barn for a welcome hot cup of tea and a homemade brownie. Then, our lovely host Cherry gave us a demonstration on how to make an autumn wreath. Soon it was our turn to have a go using the varied selection of dried foliage and seedheads that had been collected from the garden for us. I donned the apron provided, picked up the secateurs and set to work creating ten little bundles of autumn foliage to decorate the wreath with.
A selection of dried fruit and foliage for wreath making
Now I must admit, not being that gifted in a craft making sense, I was a little slow in getting my wreath completed. But help was on hand and I did get there eventually. I enjoyed ‘faffing’ with the flowers and seeing it all come together was really quite rewarding. There was just time to rustle up a little posy of fresh flowers before gathering up my floral delights and heading home in the rain.
My finished wreath
In summary
All in all, it was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning. I discovered a lovely garden, met new people and learned a skill. I definitely came away full of the joys of autumn.
It’s an experience I’d like to repeat. Perhaps, in spring time when the garden comes back to life again.
If you are interested in finding out more about the garden and the range of courses they offer, please check out their lovely website here.
It’s definitely an experience I would recommend.
Thanks for stopping by,
Paula
So nice to have met you
I was beside you with my Mum
It was a great day and I find myself looking at plants in the garden in a different way !!!
Great fun and so much knowledge in such a short time
Xx
Yes lovely to meet you too.It was a great wee day. And thank you so much for finding my blog 😊😊
That looks like a lovely way to spend some time, as you said. The gardens are beautiful.
Yes well worth a visit 😊