Philip Wood and David Wilson explore the garden of Verney and David Naylor at Sandymount, Southside Dublin.

With two thirds of an acre, there is plenty of plot to play with and the garden hosts a series of trees that "mask the surrounding buildings and shelter this lovely oasis in a busy city". Described in two phases, the first phase of the garden is more informal, "with lots of hidden nooks and crannies". The second phase or "the new garden", was previously in a dire state and, so, this was a chance for Verney to put her own mark on it. 

Whilst touring the garden, Philip gives advice on how to prune a difficult plant which Verney has been having trouble with. Another plant featured is the treasured snowdrops, with Verney cautioning, "when you start on snowdrops you can really become quite fanatical about them!". 

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 

Thanks to : Bord Failte 

• NI Direct - PRONI