Project Planning International: A Festival of Flowers at Hillsborough Castle
The Garden Festival takes place once again in the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle from 6 – 8 June 2008. Almost 30,000 visitors flocked to this unique event last year and the 2008 Garden Festival will capture the same magic of its historic setting as green fingered gardeners and budding enthusiasts alike gather to admire the floral displays and listen to the expert advice on hand while the deckchair gardeners sit at the bandstand and enjoy their cream teas.
Celebrating the launch of this colourful event the Patron of Garden Show Ireland, the Marquis of Downshire planted a pine tree to replace the one planted by his Great, Great Grandfather the Infant Earl of Hillsborough in 1872 which had this winter succumbed to old age,” I am delighted to see the gardens of Hillsborough Castle opened up during the Garden Festival for so many people to enjoy. And this year there is so much more to see with the development of the Garden Festival, and the renovation of parts of Hillsborough Castle’s gardens.”
This year the Garden Festival has expanded to embrace even more gardening gurus. The well known faces of Dermot O’Neill and John Cushnie will be joined by horticulturalist Frances MacDonald from Wexford while by popular demand the Bayer Garden Roadshow returns with Martin Fish and Geoff Stebbings joined this year by Sarah Hopps.
Design expertise will be the focus in the new look Design Clinic where Cherrie McIlwaine puts top garden designers in the spotlight. Landscape Architect John Reid will once more be on his microphone for the Garden Walkabout quizzing the experts on their views about the gardens.
Said Councillor Allan Ewart, Lisburn City Council, at the launch of the Garden Festival,” The activities in the Garden Festival create a wonderful day out or week-end away. Lisburn City Council is delighted to support Garden Show Ireland which brings significant economic benefit to the local area.”
The younger generation get involved too as Primary School children from the Integrated Sector create some interesting characters as scarecrows. In fact a day out at the Garden Festival has plenty to fascinate all age groups. Young Gardeners’ Corner will this year include among its activities a bird box challenge, wildlife gardening and mini beast hunting!
For those whose ambition is to eat what they grow, then an essential stop will be the Garden Gourmet where celebrity chef Derek Patterson will create alfresco menus. One of the highlights will be when Derek is joined by garden guru Dermot O’Neill in a challenge to cook with the herbs, vegetables and fruits that can be grown in the kitchen garden.
Minister for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots MLA said, “The Garden Festival is an excellent example of a top quality event which has grown each year, last year attracting nearly 30,000 visitors to the Hillsborough area. I would like to see more events like this, organised and run by local people and attracting an international audience.”
The Garden Festival at Hillsborough Castle takes place from 6 to 8 June 2008. Opening times are 10am to 8pm on Friday 6 June and 10am to 6pm on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June. Admission is £9 for Adults, £7 Concession and FREE to Children when accompanied by an adult.
Special car parks have been organised for visitors to the Garden Festival with a complementary shuttle bus to the Walled Garden.
To buy tickets visit www.gardenshowireland.com or telephone Garden Show Ireland on (0044) 2897 561993.
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