West Cork Trip – June 2009

In June 2009 DGS members visited a number of gardens in West Cork. These are their impressions of the gardens.

Bantry House –

has a magnificent view over Bantry bay. A big historic house set in terraced gardens and woodland planting. Gardens have been improved with help of government grants but a lot still needs doing. Planting and formal nature of gardens make it an interesting visit.

The gardens contain seven terraces; the house is located on the third. One hundred steps are located behind the house and are built to appear to rise out of a fountain and are surrounded by azaleas and rhododendron. The gardens are constantly tended and maintained.

Garnish Island

The island of Ilnacullin extends to 15 acres and is renowned for its gardens which flourish in the micro-climate of Glengarriff harbour assisted by a mainly Pine shelter belt. Structures include a clock tower, Grecian Temple, Martello Tower and an Italian Temple. Although noted for the "Italian" gardens, there is a strong Japanese influence running throughout the design. This is particularly evident at the Grecian Temple which frames the Sugarloaf Mountain (in the Caha Mountains) in a manner which the guide states is highly suggestive of Mount Fuji in Japan. Similarly  the guide describes the Italian Tea House or "Casita" as being close in style to a Japanese tea house while potted dwarf trees resemble bonsai. The planting of South American and Oriental trees and shrubs is a delight - such as the fine example of Chilean myrtle which can be seen in the glade known as "Happy Valley".

Lisselan Gardens – Clonakilty

Set in the valley and the river Argideen outside Clonakilty, Lisselan Gardens was designed in the 1800s and laid out in Robinsonian style, enhancing the natural features and contours provided by the valley and river flowing throughout.

Encompassing 12 acres of gardens and woodlands with a variety of plants, trees, shrubs and flowers that flourish in Lisselan's mild Gulf Stream climate. Many unusual plants and shrubs not associated with this region can be seen in the gardens. A series of flagstone pathways and rustic bridges add ambience and character to the gardens and the sound of the river. The rockery, rhododendron garden, water garden, azalea garden, shrubbery and fuchsia garden (newly opened) are some of the features.

Carraig Abhainn River Rock Gardens

Situated in Durras, was our first garden visit. It is 2.5 acres with wide walkways, water features and lawns, bordered by shrubs and a large variety of flowers which was made possible from the shelter afforded from the planting of mature trees and shrubs.

On first entering I felt slightly jarred by a bright blue mural set into a walkway by the pond surrounded by hostas. In retrospect, this, (and some of the magnificent busts,) was not in keeping with the spirit and essence of the rest of the garden. Otherwise it is a haven to please the senses; ornamental herons, African masks, faces carved into tree trunks, the many varied water features, create a harmonious blend of nature enhanced by the vision, creativity and hard work of Eugene Wiseman. The delight and enthusiasm displayed by him was a pleasure to behold as he joyfully discussed, amongst other plants, the Corylus maxima ‘Pupurea’ (Purple leaf hazel) the Australian ‘Grevillea’ and the Chilean ‘Eucryphia’ with some of the better informed members of our group.

But the distinctive character of Carraig Abhainn is drawn from the babbling river winding around the perimeter which maintained a constant flow over rocks and boulders. This, with creative and abundant planting, affords many and varied views and vistas and you can be transported in time and place as you sit beside the gurgling water or meander through the lush foliage.

Kilravock Garden, Durrus

The second garden visited was Kilravock garden, Durrus. A two acre narrow plot by the sea. A very individual garden included a formal oriental garden with many foreign and unusual plants – the garden reflects the interests of Malcolm and Phemie Rose the owners (both are very knowledgeable and able communicators). Malcolm is a real DIY enthusiast; he can turn his hand to any aspect of gardening or construction.

This garden was not static; changes were planned in the quest for perfection and a passion for plant collections. Plants grow here that would not  thrive at home, the climate Dunmanus Bay is mild and ideal for many of the tender plants grown for example, Bananas and Yuccas. They also had a huge collection of hostas and Sorbus (42) but many other such as Camellias, Eryngiums, Ferns, and Rhododendrons etc.

An interesting garden good for ideas and growing tips but not my type of garden, it is possibly too experimental and lacking in cohesiveness; a garden of collections and prized displays. Whereas, the design and the planting, in part left to develop over time, works well when it fits in with the natural hilly contour of the plot but not I think with the eastern end Mediterranean style garden.

See web site for better view of garden at www.kilravockgardens.com

Cois Cuian, Kilcrohane, Bantry

Wonderful garden in picturesque setting. Some unusual plants such as Echium Pininana

A lovely walk from the main road down the lanes with pretty hedgerows to our destination ... the garden of Mary & Bob Walsh or as Bob put it "its really Mary's garden, just call me the Slave".  This two acre garden is set entirely within 30 metres of the sea and contains many rare plants from the Southern Hemisphere as well as salt and wind resisting plants.

In flower and of particular interest while we were there were a row of giant Echium Pininana and a Furcrea Longaeva which had been given to Mary seven years previously by a friend as a little leafy plant in a 3" pot.  Planted outdoors, it grew long leaves often torn with the wind.  This spring Mary noticed the first signs of a flower spike. It grew and grew and was at its full glorious height of 19.5 ft covered in 'branches' of small yellow bell-like flowers.  

Aultaghreagh Cottage Garden

The garden is owned by Christine & Les Wilson. They bought the old ' cottage and acre ' in 1990 as a holiday home. There was no garden, just a grass field. They originally planted the whole acre field in 1996 with about 350 mixed trees and large shrubs. But they sold up in England and moved here the next year in 1997.     

The garden was started the autumn of 1998, they began with a large pond and rockery, then added two mixed borders and followed by a  herb parterre, grasses garden and a walled ' Secret ' garden.

Many trees originally planted have been felled to create an extensive woodland/shade garden. And the creation of a large new mixed border by the pond.

Their style could be said to be quite ' English ' - they enjoy colourful perennials and shrubs, not too much formality, and they don't worry about collecting rare plants, though they do grow many unusual cultivars of perennials and shrubs. The vast majority of their plants are grown from seed and cuttings.

The South Wall flower border is particularly fine. They mentioned Christopher Lloyd as being a great influence on style & planting in the garden.