Antrim Castle Gardens are bursting with colour next week

Antrim Castle Gardens are bursting with colour next week as the Allianz Garden Show Ireland opens its doors for another packed weekend of gardens, good grub and green-fingered fun.

Antrim Castle Gardens

There’s more of a focus on gardens than ever this year, with a stunning large feature garden by Belfast-based designer James Purdy. He’s taken his inspiration from the mountains of Mourne for his ‘Heritage of Place’ garden, with an eye-catching central grass mound spiralling up to a standing stone planted with native wildflowers.

Other gardens include the community-focussed team challenge gardens, celebrating CS Lewis; and miniature enchanted gardens based on fairytales and legends created by primary school children. The Grower’s Pavilion is bursting with specialist nurseries showcasing hundreds of plants: new to the show this year is the People’s Choice prize, where visitors can vote for their favourite display with the chance to win a 3D landscape design for their garden.

Garden Show Ireland

There are a wealth of talks and demonstrations including appearances by TV gardener Joe Swift, garden writer Geoff Stebbings and GIY founder Michael Kelly. And as if that wasn’t enough, there are musical performances and art exhibitions to enjoy throughout the weekend. The show runs from Friday 5^th to Sunday 7^th May - buy your tickets now from www.gardenshowireland.com.