Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Bill and Kathleen Rowland in Kilrea, County Londonderry.

Both have created a two acre garden "and nature reserve for the twin delights of a wide countryside panorama and a sheltered garden combined".  Furthermore, the subtle groupings and "unusual plants play their part in lovely combinations of colour, texture and form", this in combination with a water feature amongst the central flowers create a "compact paradise". 

Beginning from scratch - with no garden and the front of the house once being a field - Kathleen has actively set out to create spaces she would utilise most. This is clearly seen in the wildflower meadow, were everything planted is to enhance and encourage the wild life, an area which Bill, gets much joy from.  

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.

A UTV Production.

• NI Direct - PRONI