Castlewellan's walled garden reborn, Spring wildlife watch and Adam Frost's bulb of the month

Castlewellan's walled garden reborn, Spring wildlife watch and Adam Frost's bulb of the month

From Gardeners' Corner by BBC Radio Ulster

March 7, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

David Maxwell explores the reopening of the historic Annesley Walled Garden and discusses spring wildlife and gardening tips.

David Maxwell visits the historic Annesley Walled Garden in Castlewellan Forest Park as it reopens to the public. The garden, which dates back to the mid-18th century, has been closed for two years while £1.3 million of improvement works were carried out. Head gardener Alwyn Sinnamon shows David the work done to the long borders and the gleaming glasshouses, restored to their former glory. David also explores the rediscovered Bog Garden and Rhododendron Wood. Adam Frost reveals his bulb for March, and there’s a visit to the Alpine House in Kew Gardens, which is celebrating its 20th birthday. In the studio, gardening expert Claire McNally joins David to answer questions, while wildlife expert Katy Bell uncovers the secret world of dragonflies. Contact the programme at gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk

People in this episode

Host: David Maxwell

Guests: Alwyn Sinnamon, Claire McNally, Katy Bell

Topics covered

  • walled garden
  • wildlife
  • bulbs
  • gardening
  • restoration
  • dragonflies

Keywords

  • Castlewellan
  • walled garden
  • spring wildlife
  • bulb of the month
  • dragonflies
  • Kew Gardens
  • gardening expert

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio Ulster

Places: Castlewellan Forest Park, Kew Gardens

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