Artful Oasis: Visit an Artist’s Garden and Studio in BelfastArtful Oasis: Visit an Artist’s Garden and Studio in Belfast Prepare to be inspired as Belfast Garden Club hosts an Open Garden Day at the verdant haven of artist Janalee Welch. On Saturday, July 20th, from 10am to 4pm, art and gardening enthusiasts alike are invited to explore Welch’s enchanting property. Nestled at 49 Robbins Road in Belfast, the garden is a testament to Welch’s creativity and passion for nature. A former teacher and lifelong artist, Welch embarked on a transformative gardening journey during the pandemic, transforming her once-barren backyard into a symphony of colors and textures. With a keen eye for design, Welch seamlessly integrated her artistic sensibilities into the garden’s layout. Hydrangeas in vibrant hues, native plants teeming with life, a tranquil moss garden, and sculptural elements create an ambiance of harmony and serenity. Terraces and walkways add practicality, while a vine-covered pergola and a spacious raised bed provide ample opportunities for relaxation and contemplation. Welch believes her garden is an extension of her art, a living canvas on which she can experiment with color, shape, and texture. Visitors will have the opportunity to marvel at Welch’s handmade journals, which feature garden-themed designs. Despite the challenges posed by the property’s terrain, Welch’s unwavering dedication has resulted in a flourishing garden. The evolution of her botanical masterpiece is a source of inspiration for all who witness its beauty. Proceeds from the $5 entrance fee to the garden will support Belfast Garden Club’s various public service projects. Season passes are available on-site for $35. Open Garden Days continue every Saturday through August 17th, providing an enchanting opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Belfast’s gardening scene.
BELFAST — “What do gardeners and artists have in common?” Belfast Garden Club said in a press release. “A lot, if you read the experts. As well as creativity and hard work, gardening and artmaking both require faith, trust and imagination. So when an artist offers to share their garden, you can expect a double dose of inspiration and fun.”
Artist Janalee Welch and her husband Keith are opening their garden and Janalee’s art studio to visitors on Saturday 20th July from 10am to 4pm. The tour of their garden, located at 49 Robbins Road in Belfast, is part of Belfast Garden Club’s Open Garden Days.
The $5 entrance fee to the garden helps support the club’s public service projects throughout the year. The event takes place rain or shine. Season passes are available on-site for $35.
Welch, a retired teacher and lifelong artist, got serious about gardening during the pandemic. “When we bought the property 10 years ago, there was no garden,” she says. “It was just a few small trees and shrubs planted in random spots.”
Using what she already knew about color and texture, Welch transformed the entire backyard into a garden, adding more than a dozen hydrangeas, many native plants, a new moss garden, and some sculptural elements, paths, and walkways. Terraces were added to maintain a slope, along with a vine-covered pergola and a large raised bed.
“I think my garden is an extension of my art,” she said. “I see it as an artist’s palette of harmonious colors, shapes and textures.”
Many garden-themed items are sold during the tour, including Welch’s handmade journals.
Despite the challenges – irregular hills and eroding slopes, hard-baked clay soil, rocks and shade – the evolution of the garden is itself an inspiration to keep working.
“It’s a young garden,” Welch says. “There’s still a lot I want to accomplish.”
Open Garden Days are held every Saturday through August 17. For the full Open Garden Days schedule, visit belfastgardenclub.org. Proceeds support the garden club’s school programs, camp grants, library donations, and the thirteen public gardens in Belfast that are maintained by club volunteers.
