Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Lorna and Harry McMahon on the outskirts of Galway.

Lorna explains how she has developed the garden from a "rocky windswept site" and states that it might "be sheltered now, but it was disastrous when we started". The colourful and exciting plantings sit beside "rushing streams and placid pools... to create an aura of oriental calm in the cool shade". In fact, the water features are so numerous that Philip exclaims "another pool Lorna! How many have you?!".

Another starring feature of the garden is the lush woodland area which evokes a certain kind of magic as indigenous bluebells and ferns line the pathway and Hazel, Holly and Ash trees block the sky.

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.

Our thanks to: Bord Fáilte 

• NI Direct - PRONI