The garden is evidently designed around a historic 17th century landscape, with the original cottage and barn being key features. It is no surprise that Ballyrobert Gardens was previously listed amongst The Guardian’s Top 10 Secret Gardens in the UK.
Run by husband-and-wife Maurice and Joy Parkinson, Ballyrobert Gardens is home to an extensive collection of plant varieties, about 4000 at last count. Maurice and Joy also offer a range of courses, illustrated talks, demonstrations, garden tours and workshops to their visitors, when it is safe to do so.
Discover Northern Ireland has collaborated with Maurice Parkinson, a horticulture expert and half of the brains behind Ballyrobert Gardens to find out what makes this garden bloom bright.
Tell us about the beginning of Ballyrobert Gardens…
“Many gardening projects commence with a definite plan but one such project in County Antrim did not, instead it evolved into a unique garden of great significance. We purchased a very run-down small farm of sixteen acres at Ballyrobert nearly thirty years ago and we had little idea of the magnitude of what we had done. Initially, we had set out to purchase two or three acres to satisfy our gardening interest and finished with a farm.
“It soon became clear that the property was of enormous historical interest, dating to the 17th century. This was a Plantation holding, but since its establishment in this form, it had not really changed. Our next move was to make the cottage a place we could call home.”
What makes Ballyrobert Gardens special to you?
“Ballyrobert has a wealth of property attributes and a world of natural history to explore, this is truly unique within itself. The rich landscape and heritage of County Antrim are certainly reflected in the design of this garden as it boasts a range of interesting structures and features.
“The traditional entrance with its ‘old’ pillars and fairy tree is an exceptional masterpiece and the ‘holetree’, which is a living replica of Northern Ireland’s best holestone at nearby Doagh, is another stand-out feature for me.
“The original layout of the Plantation holding is still intact and has now been restored and included in the overall design. Extending to six acres, the garden reflects the style of the Ulster born landscape gardener William Robinson, who in the 19th century was the world’s most famous exponent of this form of gardening. This is very significant to me as I am a great admirer of his work.
“The garden is home to a vast collection of plants found in a range of different settings from formal garden displays to borders, woodlands and enchanting snowdrops at Glenlinchy.”
What skills does a garden of Ballyrobert’s scale demand?
“To design a garden of the standard of Ballyrobert Gardens requires abundant training in horticulture and garden design to a minimum of degree level. Experience is also a very vital element.
“My training extended from Greenmount College to Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, Writtle College and The Ulster University.
“However, there is plenty to learn from joining a gardening club. Whether it is local or national, such as the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland. You can learn all you need to know from attending lectures, demonstrations, garden visits and gardener’s companionship.”
When it is safe to do so, what can visitors to Ballyrobert Gardens expect?
“The true uniqueness of these enchanting grounds is most definitely its main attraction for visitors. To my knowledge, a garden of this sort has never been created and there is a multitude of interest points including the breadth of wildlife that exists here.
“The garden is also home to a quaint self-help tearoom where visitors can enjoy some refreshments after taking in the picturesque surroundings. Joy and I also offer guided tours by arrangement which are very popular with families and an abundance of plants and flowers are on sale in the nearby nursery which was founded by my wife.
“In the meantime, I recommend anyone thinking of giving gardening at home a go to please do so. Not only is it a fantastic pastime, but it is also very beneficial for both your physical and mental well-being.”
For more information about Ballyrobert Gardens and other great places to visit when government guidance permits travel again, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Northern Ireland’s giant welcome will be here for you when the time is right.
For the latest government guidelines on COVID restrictions, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
