Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Billy and Rita Douglas in Portadown. 

The Douglas's garden is bursting with colour and variations of flowers, one in particular, the rhododendrons, catches Philip's eye. Billy offers a short story on how he procured the flower, which involves his friend buying up the only two on sale... and then gifting it at Christmas! Various herbaceous plants are spotlighted, as Billy explains, these are "the plants of the future," perfect to grow in small areas like a semi-detached garden. 

David then goes around the garden, introducing various species of trees - such as the snake bark maple. However, he lingers on the golden Japanese maple, which he confesses is his favourite. 

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

• NI Direct - PRONI