Christmas 2022 Greetings

Dear RHSI members

I hope you have plans for an enjoyable festive season and can meet up with friends and family in person or be in contact through the wonders of technology which, thankfully, reach far beyond the crackles and pauses of the old long-distance phone call!

We’re full of plans for 2023, all of which are a result of the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers who give their time and talent to making our society such a vibrant organisation. Many thanks to you all.

A particular delight is to let you know that Paul Smyth is to be the new Head Gardener at RHSI Bellefield. You’ll have an opportunity to visit in February to see the snowdrops and appreciate Angela Jupe’s wonderful gift to the society. We look forward to meeting you there. Meanwhile, please see a message from Paul below.

Best wishes for a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
Philip
Chair, RHSI

“I’m delighted, honoured and very excited to announce that I am taking on the role of head gardener at Bellefield House and Gardens in Co Offaly. To be known as RHSI Bellefield.

I was extremely lucky to have been mentored by Bellefield’s last owner Angela Jupe who bequeathed the house and gardens to the RHSI to become their training garden.
Angela was a visionary thinker, garden designer, plantswoman, architect, and collector to name but a few of her varied skills and interests. She was an important figure in my career and someone I always turned to.

I have been involved since Angela’s death in the upkeep of the site along with a few other key people who have worked tirelessly to maintain the house and gardens.

We will have various open days next year, starting with some in February for Snowdrop season. Bellefield has one of the finest collections in Ireland of both named and naturalised snowdrops. Keep an eye on our brand new Instagram page @rhsibellefield for updates.

To Angela I say thank you. We hope to honour your generosity and to inspire new generations of gardeners. Bellefield with its 2 acres of walled garden, parkland, pasture, meadows, woodlands and bog is a remarkable site, with lots of potential. It is an honour to be able to be trusted with the task of being the new custodian of this remarkable place.

I look forward to welcoming some of you there in the year ahead!”
Paul.

 

RHSI,
Laurelmere Cottage,
Marlay Park,
Grange Road,
Rathfarnham,
Dubin 16,
D16 H9T4,
Ireland.

Tel: +353 1 493 7154
Email: info@rhsi.ie

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