In the spring of 2007 and the summer of 2008, I was incredibly blessed to work in the gardens of Glenveagh Castle. The gardens and castle are part of Glenveagh National Park, the second largest national park in Ireland. On both occasions I felt I was in horticultural heaven! Last September, I shared my experiences of a visit in The Gardens […]
Cluain na dTor is one of 22 gardens featured in the 2017 Donegal Garden Trail. It is described in The Trail’s brochure as “Donegal’s tropical garden, inspirational and boldly experimental!” Seamus O’Donnell’s garden has been developed over a period of twenty years, and features many unusual plants collected from around the globe. The gardens include an excellent nursery, which hosts […]
May was a gloriously warm and sunny month here in Donegal. Unfortunately, June did not live up to expectations, and we endured rain, rain, and yet more rain… However, the garden is thriving and there are lots of new blooms to share. Pink Lavatera matches my garden chairs I planted this Lavatera back in 2011, and she has provided delicious, […]
I visited “Bloom” in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in early June this year – a little while after it’s English cousin “Chelsea” inspired millions of horticultural enthusiasts around the globe. A local bus company took myself and a party of keen Donegal gardeners to our Irish floral heaven, and back home again – all in one day. The floral marquee was […]
Floral display outside my favourite restaurant – “Danny Minnie’s” I live in County Donegal, on the north west coast of Ireland, which was recently voted “The Coolest Place on the Planet” by National Geographic Traveller (UK). My village has been participating in Ireland’s national “Tidy Towns” competition for several years. One of our star attractions is our “Bikes in Bloom.” […]
The view across the garden last week The garden is flourishing after a very warm start to the month of May, plus a few much needed downpours in the past fortnight. If this is your first visit to my garden, you will notice that it is devoid of grass, and filled with a number of (mostly) raised beds, planted with trees, shrubs, cottage […]
Wine bottles in a unique flower arrangement Part two of my visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, described as “the most beautiful spring garden in the world,” focuses on the indoor exhibitions. The sculptural display of lilies and ferns displayed in wine bottles, was one of MANY unique ideas that my sister and I witnessed on our trip, so I make […]
Tulips amidst a Sea of Muscari outside the Juliana Pavilion The Keukenhof Gardens are described as “the most beautiful spring garden in the world.” I would have to agree after visiting them for the first time two weeks ago. The gardens are located amongst the Dutch bulb fields, less than an hour away from Amsterdam. My sister and I took a train to Schiphol […]
A view across the garden last Sunday evening March has (mostly) been warmer than usual. Weekend temperatures soared into the high teens, a welcome reprieve after the inclement weather of our St Patrick’s Day festivities. The garden looked quite different in early March: The miniature daffodils were smiling ahead of schedule. Crocuses were in full bloom: Pompom Primula greeted each other after months […]
A winter view across my back garden I had another JOY filled afternoon last week, spent weeding and pottering in my garden. Thankfully, the mild autumn and winter weather has ensured I am well ahead of my usual gardening schedule. I have gravel paths between my flower beds, with a strong barrier underneath, yet some determined weeds still manage to seed through the stones, and the gentle winter […]
