Mount Stewart, on the Ards Peninsula 15 miles from Belfast, is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's collection.

To celebrate both the diversity of the Mount Stewart plant collection and the ethnic diversity of Northern Ireland, members of the Chinese and Polish communities, accompanied by Prospect's National Trust lead rep, Paul Stewart, and local political representatives, recently planted two trees – one to represent the Chinese community and one to represent the Polish community.

Stewart said: "As a Prospect trade union member and employee of Europe's largest conservation charity, I am committed to preserving our heritage and making sure it is accessible and enjoyed by all, including the ethnic minority communities within the larger Northern Ireland community."

Speaking as the only ethnic minority member of the Stormont assembly, Anna Lo said: "I welcome this event which celebrates the diversity of Northern Ireland by incorporating our two largest ethnic minority groups. The growing diversity of our population should be reflected through inclusive approaches that incorporate minorities and make them feel part of our society.

"The gardens at Mount Stewart are rich in diversity and history and I welcome the planting of these two trees to reflect our ever-evolving society."