Rowallane Gardens in Spring: A Visit in Photographs

On a sunny Friday morning a few weeks ago, I took myself off to Rowallane Gardens, a National Trust garden just outside the village of Saintfield in County Down, about six miles from Belfast. Unbelievably, it had been six years since my last visit, and I was looking forward to wandering around the garden again.

There is something lovely about returning to a place after a long absence, particularly when there is so much to see at different times of the year. I was keen to see what was flowering, camera in hand, and to take my time exploring the garden at my own pace.

Exploring the Walled Garden

Rowallane is an inspirational garden, with its Walled Garden surrounded by a much larger area of woodland. There are walks to suit different moods, from a gentle stroll around the garden itself to longer routes through the trees. There is also a dog exercise area, although on this occasion Boris (the basset hound) was having a snooze at home, leaving me free to meander wherever I fancied.

The Walled Garden was originally created by the Reverend John Moore to grow fruit and vegetables. His nephew, Hugh Armytage Moore, later inherited the garden and transformed it into the ornamental space we can enjoy today.

With its eclectic mix of herbaceous plants, bulbs, herbs and climbers, the garden unfolds gradually from spring through to autumn. Every visit offers something different, which is part of its appeal.

A view of the walled garden looking back towards Rowallane House

I spent some time wandering through the garden, stopping whenever something caught my eye. There were plenty of lovely details to photograph, from the flowers themselves to the paths, planting combinations and quieter corners that make the garden such an enjoyable place to explore.

White chaenomeles in the Walled Garden

The Outer Walled Garden

The Outer Walled Garden feels a little more secluded, with its glasshouse and vegetable beds. It was here that I came across something I hadn’t seen before: a white flowering currant called White Icicle.

We have quite a lot of the familiar pink flowering currant growing around our neighbourhood and in our own garden, but I had never noticed a white variety before. The delicate flowers looked particularly beautiful in the morning light, and I found myself stopping to admire them for a while.

The White Icicle Flowering Currant

While I was looking at the flowers, another woman stopped beside me to admire them too. She told me that she visits Rowallane around three times a week and finds it the best therapy.

I could quite understand what she meant. There is something restorative about being outdoors, taking your time and noticing the little things you might otherwise walk straight past. A garden can be a wonderful place to slow down and clear your head.

It was one of those small, unexpected moments that made the visit feel special. I had gone along to enjoy the garden and take some photographs, but I came away with a lovely reminder of how much pleasure a place like this can bring to people.

The glasshouse and details from the vegetable beds

A Pot of Tea Before Heading Home

Having finished my wander, I made my way to the café, as I always do, and rounded off the visit with a pot of tea and a sit-down in the sunshine.

I hope it won’t be another six years before I return. Next time, I think I’ll bring Boris along, as he seems to love the flowers almost as much as I do!

Visiting Rowallane Gardens

Rowallane Gardens is a National Trust garden near Saintfield in County Down, around six miles from Belfast. With its Walled Garden, woodland walks and changing seasonal displays, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours, whether you’re interested in gardening, photography or simply enjoying some time outdoors.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the National Trust website for current opening times, admission details, café information and facilities before setting off.

Have you visited Rowallane Gardens? I’d love to know what time of year you enjoy it most.

Paula

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