By the seventeenth century, roses were extensively grown in almost every European garden. Three hundred years later they remain firm favourites and nowhere more so than in Ulster - the home, for over a century, of two world-famous breeders: Dickson's of Newtownards and McGredy's of Portadown.

It was in celebration of their achievements that the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, with its spectacular display areas, historical sections and trial beds, was established in the attractive setting of Wilmont - a landscape park of 128 acres on the east bank of the River Lagan.

Belfast's Rose Gardens at Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park come into their own during July and are celebrated at this annual rose extravaganza. The International Rose Trials, organised by Belfast City Council in association with the Rose Society of Northern Ireland, is the highlight of Rose Week, which draws over 50,000 people every summer.

The entrance approach into the garden is flanked by beds containing trial winners, while to the left a massive floribunda display covers the hill. Beyond an undistinguished stone arch lie most of the trial beds, which are regimented into a series of concentric circles and spread over the northern part of the garden. More rings of display beds are paraded in the central area of the garden and among these is a section devoted to the roses bred by the McGredy and Dickson family firms.

In addition to the serious matter of judging the finest roses - with a jury of experts picked from all over Europe - there is a fun-packed programme to satisfy the holiday crowds during the following week. Every afternoon there are special childrens' activities with face-painting, bouncy castles, Punch and Judy shows, treasure hunts and more.

There is also a marquee in the Rose Gardens selling all manner of crafts over the weekend, while the Summer Rose and Flower Show presents the finest bonsai, cacti and flowers in Belfast. The green-fingered will have a field day.

Source: http://travelguides.lastminute.com