What can we say. What an absolutely marvellous launch we've had at RHSI Bellefield. Over 1000 of you made the journey to the garden from all over the country.

It was truly wonderful to stand in the sunken garden surrounded by so many keen visitors as the story of Tommy's border, the snowdrops and tales of Angela were recounted.

Our most brilliant volunteers - from those who so happily directed and parked (and occasionally pushed!) cars, to the ever cheerful team inside delivering coffee. They all deserve a huge thanks, without them the weekends would not have been the success it was.

To see hundreds of both members and non members enjoying the garden was just great and the positive remarks, well wishes and offers of help are all very much appreciated.

On a personal level to see Bellefield full of life after a 2 year absence of people was the most rewarding part of the entire weekend. I'm delighted that so many made the effort to see the garden and our plans for it.

Thank you all for making our first Snowdrop weekends so special and being there at the start of this exciting journey for both the RHSI and Bellefield.

A very warm welcome to all of the new RHSI members who signed up at Bellefield, we look forward to seeing you again over the coming months and if anyone is interested in volunteering at RHSI Bellefield please email bellefield@rhsi.ie.

The renowned architect and garden designer Angela Jupe, who died in 2021, left her house and gardens at Bellefield, Shinrone, Co Offaly to the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI). As well as a house and cottages, the grounds include a 2 acre walled garden with a noted collection of perennial plants and rare bulbs, pasture, forestry, a bog area managed for biodiversity and a plantation of native trees.

The RHSI are delighted to announce that, following Angela Jupe’s extraordinarily generous bequest, our good fortune continues with Paul Smyth agreeing to be Head Gardener at RHSI Bellefield. Very exciting times for the 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 Smyth RHSI Bellefield

RHSI Bellefield House and Gardens
Shinrone
Co Offaly

Tel: 083 8250647
Email: Bellefield@rhsi.ie
Follow us on Instagram: RHSI Bellefield