The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
From Kells Bay to Chelsea show for garden expert Billy Alexander
THERE’S been tremendous excitement for the owner of a unique south Kerry garden experience as he earned his place at the world’s best-known flower show, the ‘Royal Holitcultural Society Chelsea Flower Show’ in London.
Kells Bay House and Gardens owner Billy Alexander has been chosen as one of the exhibitors at the May 22 to 26 show, thanks in no small part to sponsorship from Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity. His Kells Bay site features six gardens and is home to a wide range of subtropical plants. It has the added attraction of Ireland’s longest rope bridge.
Billy has decided to go with a tree-fern theme for his participation in the prestigious show, providing an example of his uniquely curated, densely mature treefern forest. It will feature 63 specimens.
“I chose the tree-fern theme for this year’s show because I want to portray the importance of their preservation around the globe,” he said. “We are honoured to be chosen to exhibit at Chelsea this year. My aim is to showcase the magnificence and beauty of ferns from around the globe.
“The exhibit will revolve around the exotic, natural environment of the fern and their role in the evolution of plants.”
Despite the prestige of the Chelsea show, this will not be Billy’s first involvement with the world-renowned event. When Paul Martin took a gold medal for his Mindful Living garden at the show two years ago, Billy supplied plants.
The Kells Bay site has a long history; it was originally developed in the 19th century by the Blennerhasset family before its 44 acres of wildly overgrown heritage gardens were recovered. Ongoing restoration by Billy and his wife Penn began in 2006 and the site is described by them as an example of heaven on earth. Billy explained that the Gardens are home to a unique, localised climate suitable for growing many exotic species. It also serves as a plant nursery and a range of expertly nurtured and rare species.