Gardening in Ireland, our own garden, gardens visited and book reviews
The last days of November would generally not be regarded as good garden-visiting days but there are some advantages. It is a time to see a garden without the distraction of summer colour, without the fullness of summer borders and without too many other visitors also. It is a time to see the bones of … Continue reading Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem’s Good Bones!
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!) … Continue reading Blarney!
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. … Continue reading One of the Greatest Gardens
Mount Usher, in Co. Wicklow, is often referred to as Ireland’s most romantic garden and as an especially good example of a Robinsonian garden. For me it is a beautiful garden to visit at any time of the year but I particularly like to visit in spring for the carpet of blue from Scilla biflora … Continue reading A North American Cracker!
“Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” - attributed to Hans Christian Andersen. … Continue reading A Little Bit of Sunshine in Your Life
Seaforde Gardens will be known to Irish gardeners as an outstanding source of rhododendrons. Patrick Forde developed the nursery to a very high standard and enjoyed a national and international reputation for the quality and range of plants he supplied. Such a garden, featuring rhododendrons, should surely be at its best in the earlier part … Continue reading Seaforde Gardens
The garden which draws you back has obviously something which attracts you. My first visit to Wollerton Old Hall, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, England, was an unfortunate disaster. I loved the garden but was so ill that it was a challenge to enjoy it. I went to hospital in Chester that evening and spent a … Continue reading Wollerton Old Hall and Connected Thoughts!
