Gardens of Ireland

by Des Kennedy

On Wednesday we went south again, into County Wexford, to view the inspiring Bay garden created by Frances and Iain MacDonald around a 19th century farmhouse and yard. Over the span of 15 years Iain and Frances have created an extensive series of garden 'rooms' - a classic cottage garden in front; a serpentine garden of island beds and borders; a cruciform rose garden blending old and modern roses in formal box-edged beds; a hot border of brilliant red, orange and gold plants; a unique funereal border of dark purple and almost black flowers; a pool garden; and a new garden inspired by European perennial plantings. Accomplished and knowledgeable, the MacDonalds were entirely gracious and informative hosts.

Extract of article by Des Kennedy on icangarden.com