A Queen’s Nurse and a Hidden Gem
11 July 2025 | Lucy McKillop
At the QICN we always love to hear about our Queen’s Nurses’ visits to gardens open for the National Garden Scheme.
So we were very happy to hear about a recent visit by Lucy McKillop QN and her mother to the Old Barrack House in Hillsborough, County Down. The garden is one of a growing number of beautiful gardens that open for the National Garden Scheme across Northern Ireland.
Lucy described the garden as, “just off the main street, like a hidden gem really. When you first go in there is narrow walkway adorned with different plants and flowers. This opens onto a beautiful greenhouse filled with pots.”
Old Barrack House is a Grade I listed building and also serves as an artist’s (the owners’) studio. Lucy’s visit was a birthday treat for her mother – a special or family occasion is one of the many reasons people enjoy a garden visit.
Lucy leads us on in our mind’s eye: “Further on there is a small pond with lots of water lilies and so much wildlife. There are plenty of seats to let you sit and relax and just be. There are so many different flowers of so many colours, you could spend quite some time identifying them all!”
Lucy McKillop QNWe met Dawn the owner who gave us a brief version of her story. She seems a remarkable person, really involved in trying to help people overcome their challenges. We treated ourselves to some delicious coffee and cake and on the way out, mum spotted some plants for sale! So, she now has a piece of the garden at home with her to remember the day.
Lucy McKillop QNThank you, Lucy, for sharing your story with us!
Old Barrack House has completed its opening for the National Garden Scheme this year, but you can find other beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
The first blooms of summer may be behind us, but there is still plenty to look forward to with fabulous late summer gardens throughout August and September. Go to: https://ngs.org.uk/late-summer-gardens-to-savour/
Have you visited a garden open for the National Garden Scheme? Please let us know or share your visit on social media.
All garden visits help raise vital funds for nursing and caring charities, including the QICN.
Old Barrack House: https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/old-barrack-house-garden-bt26/
Back to Blog