The Leinster Committee is delighted to welcome IGPS members to a tour of the National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow, just in time for ‘Rhododenron Week’.
The Gardens contain 180 species of rhododendrons and over 420 varieties, which light up every vista with their beautiful and abundant flowers at this time of year.
Even if Rhododendrons aren’t your thing, there is so much else to enjoy, such as South American species, planted in the nineteenth century by the then owner, Thomas Action and his sister, Janet. The Actons worked in collaboration with the Directors of the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, David and Sir Frederick Moore, and they also shared plants with Trinity College Botanic Garden.
In recent times, under the Directorship of Seamus O’Brien, excellent new planting and restoration work has begun and already many of the older trees and shrubs are benefitting and regenerating. We will tour the Gardens, noting the extra-special plant specimens and hearing the tales that go with them (for instance about the gingkos). We will walk in the wonderful rhododendron walk which is specifically wide enough for you to walk in your crinoline, if you wish.
There is a coffee shop for discussions afterwards and no requirement to book as the garden visit is free and members can also bring a guest along!
