At West Dean – A Review

West Dean, as we see it today, is a 19th century country house with gardens in the Arts and Crafts style. The walled garden, with its range of Victorian glasshouse and gardened in a style which is deeply rooted in Victorian practices, is the crowning glory though the extensive gardens outside the walls are beautiful …

People on Bridges

No doubt, there is the possibility of symbolism, of inferred and implied meaning and significance but, no, none of that, they are just pretty pictures! Enjoy - from Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow, today!

So Very Pheasantly Photobombed!

We were at the kitchen sink; the kitchen window faces south and the low sunshine lit up the small Ginkgo which grows in a raised bed immediately outside. In the spirit of Carpe lumen I went immediately for my camera, for the light can change so very quickly and the pretty picture which catches one's …

The End of Days!

No, it is not quite a prophet of doom scenario but it is that time of year in the garden; a time of winding down; of less grass-cutting; of tidying up and adding to the compost heaps and nothing for us marks this more clearly than the decision to lift the dahlia tubers and store …

Shades of Green!

The National Trust in Great Britain is probably one of the most successful conservation and preservation organisations in the world. It is the largest landowner in Britain and, were it not for the National Trust many irreplaceable buildings and gardens would have been lost. Despite these achievements it has often been the target of complaints …

Blarney!

There's no need for blarney when describing the gardens at Blarney Castle. During a visit yesterday it was a hive of activity with gardeners busy in all corners. A large tree, a storm victim I imagine, was being cut up and removed; the herbaceous beds around the Seven Sisters (now, there's bit of blarney alright!) …

One of the Greatest Gardens

Mount Congreve Garden, created by the late Ambrose Congreve, is one of the great gardens of Ireland and, indeed, of the world. He was greatly influenced by Lionel de Rothschild, a dear friend and mentor in the early years and followed his taste for rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias as the backbone planting of the garden. …

Between Rain and Storm…

Between rain and storm, we had a beautiful afternoon and, although we didn’t manage to “carpe” the entire “diem” we made the most of what came our way. Several trees in the garden are at the best of their autumn colour but that foliage will most certainly be gone by tomorrow. Storm Callum is about …

This is my Moment!

“Anonymous Euonymus” might be a suitable description for eleven months of the year but, even for this generally dull plant, its moment to shine arrives. The Chinese Spindle, Euonymus planipes, is a large shrub or small tree – which it is becoming here after nearly twenty years – which doesn’t catch the eye for most …

Nature Steals the Show!

The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, in Dublin hosts an annual “Sculpture in the Garden” event and I like to visit each year. I missed the launch this year as we were away but I have found it more enjoyable to stroll the gardens at ease and view the sculptures at leisure. The launch is an …