As Northern Ireland begins to hope for a long and hot summer, there is one famous landmark in Belfast that can be guaranteed to be ready for a six month summer, regardless of rain or shine. Reg Maxwell, veteran of over thirty years in Belfast City Council Parks Department and supervisor for "Belfast In Bloom", explains: When the days start to get warmer and longer – as early as the end of April or early May – the morning sun rises at a right angle over the Botanic Gardens and can produce an effect called "scorching" on the flowers and trees in the Palm House.