George Cunningham and Paul Smyth help Bellefield in Shinrone to blossom

The renowned architect and garden designer from Roscrea, 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 two-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.

Famed gardener Paul Smyth has agreed to be Head Gardener at RHSI Bellefield and fmed Roscrea bibliophile and author, George Cunningham is also involved with the RHSI,  in particular developing the library there.

“Shinrone is now the snowdrop capital of Ireland and not alone Bellefield, but the grounds of St Marys Church of Ireland are full of them too”, Mr Cunningham told the Tribune.

RHSI Bellefield will be open on the following dates in 2024 for visitors and are inviting people to join them and follow the garden's progess over the course of the season.

They will be at their peak for the four open days from 8th to 11th of February from 11am to 4pm, where Paul Smyth will give guided tours each day at 12 and 2pm. 

“I will be showing treasures for the library at 1.10 each day and I have created a small book shop in the Coach house to raise money to develop the library”, George Cunningham said. 

Members of RHSI are free and there is small charge for non members.

“Bellefield is truly one of the hidden treasures of the midlands and I would encourage everyone to visit”, George added.

“To Angela I say thank you. We hope to honour your generosity and to inspire new generations of gardeners. I look forward to welcoming some of you there in the year ahead," Paul Smyth said. 

Paul Smyth speaks to green-fingered locals about his techniques