David & Janet Ledsham's woodland garden

[mark smyth]

This week Margaret Glynn, Bob Gordon and I went to visit one of N Irelands best woodland gardens underplanted with masses of home grown plants. We chose the best day of the week. Warm sun and almost blue sky according to the weather forecast. It was actually a warm-ish wet grey day. It's owned by David and Janet Ledsham. Not the best photos but the best I could do allowing for the weather.

I know David will see this because he's a lurker. Maybe this will encourage him to join and tell us more about his garden.

The first 3 photos are of a stunning Betula

[mark smyth]

A few more photos

[mark smyth]

last two

Margaret Glynn in blue, Bob Gordon with the flat cap and me behind the camera

[Maggi Young]

What a lovely garden... I was thinking the planting looked a bit like ours here... until pix 17 and 18!

[mark smyth]

He grows Proteas outside in pots. The planting mix is mostly sand

[cohan]

splendid garden! lots to see all year, i bet!
like maggie, i was a bit surprised by the proteas--lovely!

[mark smyth]

They are getting hooked on bulbs also

[Maggi Young]

They are getting hooked on bulbs also

No surprise... Mr and Mrs Ledsham look like a charming couple of taste and discrimination! 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Looks like a smashing garden Mark !! 
I'm sure it's an all season garden !!
Would love to see more of it in Spring and Summer... 
But thanks for showing us what Autumn looks like to start with.. 

[mark smyth]

I'll be back on Decemeber 8th for the local HPS group 'Side Shoots' get together and then probably in Feb for Hellebores. Many of their plants are from Davids own seeds

[fermi de Sousa]

Mark,
what would it look like in April/May??
cheers
fermi

[mark smyth]

Fermi dont come to N Ireland in the first week of May.  Our alpine show is on April 10th.

David watches this so this might prompt him to join and answer. Give him a day or two and then I'll answer

[Ragged Robin]

Mark, thanks for posting photos of the Ledsham's woodland garden, what a wonderful place to wander through......

The first 3 photos are of a stunning Betula

are fabulous    Do they have other trees with interesting bark? At this time of year they take centre stage.....

Wow, those Proteas flowering outside are just amazing - never knew it was possible in a NH climate I have only ever seen them in South Africa in the wild near Cape Town 

[mark smyth]

I'll be back on December 8th for another visit and if the weather is good I'll take more photos but the owner who is watching can post his own photos. C'mon David 

[mark smyth]

here are some photos from earlier this week. I'll be back at Hellebore time for a look.