Gardening in Ireland, our own garden, gardens visited and book reviews
The Irish Garden, A Cultural History by Peter Dale, Illustrated by Brian Lalor What is it that makes an Irish garden different? Devon, Cornwall, western Scotland and, indeed, many parts of England have basic conditions very similar to those in Irish gardens yet our gardens differ and it is this difference and the reasons for … Continue reading The Irish Garden, A Cultural History
On a recent visit to Mount Usher Gardens I received a most unexpected greeting from the lady in the Ticket Office, "Aren't you Paddy Tobin, the photographer?" I didn't know how to reply. Yes, she had my name and I do enjoy photography - as a pastime - but have never regarded myself as a … Continue reading So Usher-ly Kind!
It is rather odd, rather a contradiction for the gardener who usually devotes all efforts to promoting growth, nurturing good health and fostering the treasures of the garden that, at this time of year, s/he should rejoice in the death processes of those very same plants. Autumn is almost a second spring rather … Continue reading Enjoying Death!
The daily morning walk can become routine, dull even; almost a non- event and I often pass the little landmarks of our surrounding fields without a second glance. Thankfully, there are also occasional special mornings which make everything fresh and interesting again and the mundane is reinvigorated, snazzed up, sparkling and beautiful.
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 … Continue reading At West Dean – A Review
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!
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 … Continue reading So Very Pheasantly Photobombed!
