Philip Hollwey is a member of The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI), a gardening society dating back to 1816. It has long promoted the art and appreciation of gardening across Ireland. Now 209 years old, the RHSI has spent most of its history without a permanent home. That changed in 2021 when Bellefield House became available to serve as its headquarters.

Bellefield House was bequeathed to the RHSI by Angela Jupe, who left the property and its 28 acres to the society in her will. Since then, the house has become a central hub for Irish gardening, hosting events, workshops, and guided tours of the gardens.

Like the RHSI itself, Bellefield House carries a rich history. Up until the 1980s the property operated as a stud farm, reflecting the long tradition of horse breeding in Shinrone. Today, visitors can still see the remains of old stables and loose boxes dotted around the gardens—reminders of the past. There are even rumours that the famous Irish champion thoroughbred racehorse Red Rum once stayed there.

Today, the RHSI uses the grounds to “attract interest in the whole area of gardening” and to promote environmentally sensitive practices. The gardens are fully organic, meaning no chemical sprays are used.

When asked about traditional gardening wisdom, RHSI board member Philip Hollwey notes that many long-standing beliefs still influence gardeners today. Certain plants, for example, were once considered unlucky to bring indoors. Much of this knowledge has historically been passed down through generations by observing and learning from family members. Halloway recalls watching his parents and grandparents tend their own gardens as he grew up, an experience the RHSI hopes to inspire in future generations.

Looking ahead, the RHSI hopes Bellefield House will become a hub for gardening both nationally and internationally. In recent years, the Society has invited children from the local national school to help plant snowdrops on the grounds, encouraging community engagement and environmental awareness from a young age.

The Society says its mission is to “foster the art and love of gardening,” something it believes brings significant benefits to the local community. Gardening can improve both mental and physical well-being. Halloway notes that the activity can act almost like a prescription for boosting mood, thanks to the endorphins released during physical work outdoors.

The gardens have also become a social space. Volunteers gather every Wednesday to work together, sharing tea and coffee during breaks while building a community around their shared love of gardening.

Bellefield House continues to host events throughout the year. One recent example is a gathering to mark International Women's Day, celebrating the achievements of women - including Angela Jupe, whose generous bequest made the society’s new home possible.

With its new base and growing community, the RHSI hopes that the tradition of Irish gardening will continue to flourish for the next hundred years and beyond.