Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of County Down native, Betty Brittain. 

The proximity of the sea and warm sunshine provide the perfect ambience, as Betty strolls through a garden bursting with colour - Rosa and Geum flowers, the Franiscana shrub and the Lavatera Arborea are amongst the plants featured.

As Betty explains, careful planning has allowed for all the plants to flourish, with trees providing strategic shelter for more fragile species. The programme also features scenic shots of nearby animal life and a recounting of the history of the Fuchsia flower.

Late Philip Woods developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of botany and horticulture and bred new varieties of plants and flowers for the nurseries in Northern Ireland. Before he settled down in NI he served in the Royal Corps of Signals and saw active service in many countries around the world during WWII. After the war, Philip took up the post of manager of the Slieve Donard Nursery in Newcastle, County Down. He was also one of the founding members of the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team and was appointed as its first leader. Later when retired, he devoted his time to designing gardens and providing advice, sharing his knowledge through gardening classes, lectures, newspaper articles, radio programmes

An Ulster Television production

Presented by Philip Wood and David Wilson

Featured: Betty Brittain  

• NI Direct - PRONI