Flower Club member Nora goes to Gardens and Galleries Festival
“We started out at the enchanted Garden of Alice Taylor who was a most gracious host. We particularly enjoyed her collection of trees and shrubs which included Pagoda, Golden Acacia and a wonderful Daphne Jacqueline Postal, from there I visited both the Church of Ireland and Parish Church stopping off at the local School to view the work of local artist Mary French.
“Then, strolling up the hill to the garden No 5, the perfume from the magnificent Roses greeted you on arrival, we chatted with some of the many other garden enthusiasts and learned that this garden was solely tended by the owner. The local courtesy bus arrived and it was on to the next garden which was a young garden of eighteen years enclosed by a lovely beech hedge and a touch of added history as the local railway line of the past once ran along the edge of this garden.
“As we sat and chatted to the owner by his sunken pool adorned with water lilies we were delighted to learn that he had developed a system of conserving water to manage his pool. Then it was on to a garden which has been lovingly developed by a local couple. Again, Roses featured along with some wonderful collection of herbaceous plants. The owner was attentive and knowledgeable on her plants which have been sourced locally. The courtesy bus returned us back to the village and from there we choose to explore the last two gardens on the map by car. It was close to 6pm but the host at Woodlands Garden, at the Lodge, Shipool gave us a very warm welcome, as we took on board her style of gardening, she intrigued us with her ability to deadhead and cut back.
“This owner is also an animal lover and watch out for upcoming event scheduled for 28th of July in local papers.
“My final stop was at Innishannon House Hotel which was stunning in the evening sunshine, the pure white building overlooking the garden and river. Looking forward to next year and perhaps other towns and villages may take note of what has become a popular event.”