Members are eligible to attend events in any part of Ireland, so don’t limit your browsing to your own location. The categorisation by geographic region is for administration and organisational purposes only.
Non-members are very welcome at our events though there will be a charge for insurance purposes. Do come along and join us and, perhaps, become a member. There will be events which will be restricted to members only – perhaps because of the size of the garden and the need to restrict numbers or because this is the wish of the garden owner – and, on these occasions, unfortunately, we cannot accommodate non-members.
We occasionally list events of other groups in the ‘Other Events’ category, generally for groups we regularly work with. These are not part of the official IGPS programme but may be of interest to members.
James Burnside has created a paradise that is able to furnish every requisite for the flower arranger and the trip to Maghera will reward the keen gardener with lots of ideas amidst gasps of envy.
The garden is on two levels with some narrow gravel paths and steps.
No booking required. Members free, guests £5
At 11.00am, Mary Keenan & Ross Doyle will welcome us with tea/coffee and a scone before leading a tour of their 4 acre garden which has wonderful planting and is always evolving and responding to changes in climate and their current enthusiasms. There will be plenty to tempt you in their well-stocked nursery.
Another treat is approximately 20 minutes away…..
Clonohill Gardens, Coolrain, Co Laois
Enda Thompson-Phelan has developed this 1.5 acre country garden in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom mountains with the eye of a floral artist. Herbaceous borders should be at their prime while mature trees provide shade for woodland treasures. Lakes used for angling add the element of water.
Lunch on arrival with plenty of time to explore afterwards.
Booking and further details including cost will be via Eventbrite from 22nd May 2023.
Although the main reason for us to visit Powerscourt Gardens in July is to admire the spectacular double borders and the delicious rose garden, there is so much more to enjoy in the other areas of the garden as well.
As you leave the formal gardens with the stunning array of flowers, and go through the wrought-iron French gates, your eye is led up to the superb symmetry of the Great Sugarloaf mountain via wide, patterned steps which culminate in the Triton fountain at the bottom. Classical sculptures ornament the prospect.
The surrounding areas are full of old, beautiful trees which are perhaps in their deepest greens in July, with rich shade for us to enjoy if it is hot. A small ‘Japanese garden’ has a suitably quaint bridge. A unique feature is the grotto formed from fossilized sphagnum moss, which was taken from the banks of the Dargle River nearby. And as we finish our gentle walk through these gardens, there is a Pet Cemetery, where the pet dogs, and even horses, of the family were buried.
You may remember Powerscourt from a while ago, before it was restored and brought to its present splendour. If you have not seen it recently, I really recommend this short visit as a treat in store for you. And even though I have been so very often myself, I can never tire of these superb gardens no matter what time of the year I visit.
Your Guide Mary Montaut.
This visit arranged by the Leinster Committee and guided by Mary Montuat will be available for booking through Eventbrite at 10 euro per person.