Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Paddy Maitland in Kilquade, County Wicklow - an area often referred to as "the garden of Ireland". 

The sheltering trees found within vast expanses of the garden, with their various forms and different colours, are proclaimed just "as decorative as a floral garden border". These trees, not only shelter the plants but also the sizeable pool which Paddy has and regularly swims "40 lengths in".

As they move through the garden, Philip enlightens Paddy on why there is only one planting of blue hydrangeas... it's all in the soil! The garden closest to the cottage "covers a multitude of sins" such as bins near the kitchen area and also boasts thriving rambler plants. These ramblers, David explains, are "truly spectacular" and aren't always the easiest to grow. 

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