Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of John and Shirley Beattie in Carrickmines, County Dublin.

Over the last the 100 years, the garden has been modified and embellished with the "new comers" settling in amongst the "dignified veterans" in order to create timeless tranquility. Shirely, is very much in tune with the garden as she points out the many rock faces which form the garden which she calls "marvellous" and has allowed it to dictate what it wants, with her planting working around that. 

Passionate about having an abundance of plant life she took out the rose bed, which the previous owners had, and filled it as "every garden should be filled with plants, no soil, lots of stuff". There is plenty of life in the garden, with the pond being a centre of activity and adding "lots of show" to the area. David is equally as taken with the variety as he states that you are "quite literally spoilt for choice".

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.

Video Editor : Philip White

Produced and directed by Ruth Johnston 

• NI Direct - PRONI