Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Maisie Michael in Ballymoney, County Antrim.

Described as a "large, established garden" which has a blending of old and modern gardening patterns and has "produced an unusual and possibly unique entity" - here is a place were shrubs, trees and roses all have place. There has been many changes to the site over the years, with the gardens all divided and intertwined. Maisie discusses the maintenance which is involved in keeping the garden tidy and points out various plantings such as the Mertensia Asiatica which David compliments. 

Maisie guides Philip around her rose shrubs and her new plantings who enthusiastically is drawn to one saying that "now that is a good plant" - however, Maisie is modest as she replies "anyone can grow it"!

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.

Producer: Ruth Johnston  

• NI Direct - PRONI