Garden design, garden planning, garden layout, planting plants and planting schemes

Powerscourt – the power to impress

Posted on November 19th, 2009

Located very near the village of  Enniskerry in County Wicklow, the Powerscourt Estate is one of Ireland’s greatest architectural and landscaping treasures.

It is a wonderful place to visit, and after you have feasted your eyes on the great landscaping and gardening treasuresd throughout the Estate, you may also like to visit the on-site craft shops and Pavilion Garden Centre.

Trapp’s Trap – more kicks than tricks

Posted on November 14th, 2009

OK so here we are again and in a place we didn’t think we’d be? But just like other times, we are rightfully here nonetheless. Well done to Giovanni Trappatoni and the Irish squad for their fantastic achievement in getting thus far in the World Cup qualifiers. But with only 180 minutes away from potentially booking a place in next year’s World Cup in South Africa, we are full of hope and pray that Trapp and his team will banish les Bleus tonight at Croke Park. 

Go on ye good things and give us all something to really cheer about and relieve us all from some of the constant doom gloom that has all been so pervasive in this great country of ours. IRELAND!IRELAND!!IRELAND!!!

Iconic Connemara dwellings of contrasting fates

Posted on November 10th, 2009

Driving throughout Connemara, one can expect to see many and varied sights usually of great natural beauty but sometimes ones of great traditions some harking back to the earlier times of much tougher but perhaps simpler lifestyles. This is perhaps best seen in the iconic stone houses and outbuildings to be found throughout the Connemara region. Many are in great order and beautifully maintained by proud owners,  but also there are some in very poor order suffering neglect or even worse dereliction. Surrounding areas appear overgrown leaving no clues as to the whereabouts or indeed the existence of current owners. Are these once beautiful and skillfully constructed stone structures relics of a previous past and abandoned by a long lost or gone generation?

Nearby Rosmuc and only a short distance from the main road, a  country lane wide enough for no more than a single car, leads to a small opening which is part hidden amongst the hedgerows but boasting good views to the nearby lake below, is a beautiful thatched roof cottage. No ordinary cottage however, because this is house apparently was the summer residence of the great Irish Nationalist Padraig Pearse. The house is strikingly simple and modest in layout and is apparently maintained by the OPW (Office of Public Works).

Not too far away and nearer the Rosmuc coastline, one encounters a dramatic example again of a well built stone dwelling except here is not unusual example of a stone dwelling with all the signs of a long lost purpose. Gone are all the signs of previous occupiers, the stone appears robust and defiantly resisisting all efforts of the harsh the weather to destroy. But alas the roof timbers have long lost the fight to withstand  decay and rot. The roof having collapsed and in a very advance state of delapidation, appears to reveal not a thatch finish but rather a mixture of bog and clay sods? Or has the original thatch simply decomposed to a such a degree as to appear like an early example of a green roof? In contrast to Padraig Pearse’s summer residence, here apart from a simple open fireplace in each of the two ground floor rooms, there are no reminders of previous trappings. Instead old straw appears strewn across the stone floor probably indicating that the building has at some point been used as a building for housing animals? Despite the great stonework and marvellous westerly views of the nearby shoreline, the stonework may be well capable of withstanding the elements for another hundred years and more, but it’s future is little more than an iconic collection of stone testament to a bygone past. 

Such a pity reallybecause these icons provide a window for us to look back and for many a not too distant past.  Perhaps some may prefer to have no reminders or no interest of  harsher times? Others might look back to the past with nostalgic bliss, but whatever your preference, icons of our past are worth preserving  and represent an intrinsic  part of our social as well as architectural heritage. Such icons must be preserved not just as display models but more importantly as valuable windows with links and clues to the development of Irish culture .  

Grand views by the Glann Road, Oughterard

Posted on November 3rd, 2009

The joy of it all! A stroll along the Glann Road, within a  stone’s throw distance of Oughterard and the nearby Great Corrib lakeshores. Connemara looks well any time of the year, but during these late Autumnal days when daylight seems to take on an even more vivid brightness causing the colours of the surrounding natural landscape to become an even more rich and varied tapestry of vivid greens, rustic browns and light purple sage. 

Although the sun shines brightly, more light than heat at this time of year, illuminating a palette of rich autumn colours. The singularly striking impression however is one of great peace and tranquility broken only occasionally by the scattering chatter of fleeing robins and goldfinches.

Connemara Natural Stone walling

Posted on October 28th, 2009

In Oughterard where for many people Connemara begins, can be seen a wide range of natural stone walling, from the rough random rubble stone types to the more refined dressed stone finishes. I am always impressed to see natural stone walls of all shapes, sizes and types and throughout the West of Ireland and in particular in County Galway and no more so than here in Oughterard, Connemara, stone walls are in abundance. A distinctive construction craft which we should cherish and encourage more irrespective of whether the design or form is formal or informal. 

It is a great tradition and as is evident from my photos of walls in and around Oughterard, a tradition that goes back a long time. Stone walls can make a substantive statement of character to any property, a great construction skill and tradition, demanding strong hands but keen eyes, the art and mark of stonemasonry is an important element of Irish craft and tradition, perhaps long lost in many urban areas, but fortunately remaining popular and indeed cherished and thriving in rural communities and towns like Oughterard, Connemara.

Of course besides attractive stone walls, there are many other interesting sights to be enjoyed in Oughterard. Now as we approach the end of October, the trout can be seen spawning in the local Owenriff river, itself a beautiful civic amenity throughout the year. There are lots of picnic areas and benches on which to sit and enjoy the views but also to be seen are the signs which so eloquently remind us to:

Connemara – constantly changing, endless beauty

Posted on October 15th, 2009

For a spectacular and captivating drive through some of the most iconic, beautiful and natural landscapes to be seen anywhere in Ireland, I would recommend the Connemara Loop. Setting out from Oughterard, the gateway to Connemara and heading westwards along the N59 continue via Tully Cross and onwards to Renvyle, returning back along the N59 to Oughterard via Letterfrack.  Although a relatively a journey (much less than 100km), there are so many unmissable views, that one should allow plenty of time to enjoy. I would also recommend stopping for lunch at Renvyle House. The dressed Crab and Smoked Salmon open sandwiches of Irish Soda Bread were simply delicious. 

Along this route you will pass through incredible natural scenery including spectacular valleys, hills, mountains, lake and shorelines, bogland etc. The views and colours are endless in beauty and constantly changing, not just between seasons but almost daily. Apart from the natural beauty, the environment resonates with fabulous sounds to provide a freshness which is just incredibly relaxing for mind and body. At this time of year, the prevailing colours of the landscape reflect distinctive autumnal hues.   

But no matter when you actually travel, I can honestly say that the Connemara Loop makes for a great visual treat and complete with soulful delights.

The beauty of Oughterard with or without you

Posted on May 28th, 2009

Just a short distance from  Oughterard and heading in direction of Rossaveal one encounters a landscape which can be simply described as an extended but intrinsically Nature made rockery.  At first glance the area apart from rambling sheep appears desolate and deserted. There is little evidence of human habitation, there are hardly any road signs or names and in fact much of the roads bear a greater resemblance to dirt tracks or country lanes. There’s hardly a straight line to be seen anywhere, as far as the eye can see, rocks protrude on a gentle undulating landscape which at first sight appears harsh and incapable of sustaining any form of life human and/or wild life.  

So much rock is visible one could probably take a lifetime or more to count them all and still not be finished. Today the weather is far from kind and a deep dullness overhangs much of the area, dense grey clouds appear to complement the light grey tones of the rock infested fields. The random haphazard distribution of rock bears much resemblance to an almighty event of scattering of stone at some point. Probably more to do with the aftermath of some glaciated drifts, the precious soil well in the sense of been thin and probably poorly because there is little evidence of if being capable of sustaining any crops? Instead one can see many examples of marshy conditions and here and there discreet examples of some person’s efforts to extract turf for burning. 

On a grey day and a seemless endless lines of stone stretching as far as one can see left and right and also upwards. There are few trees to be seen, in fact much of the local flora would be best described as scrub and growing less than 900mm high. Today the scene appears very familiar and  resembling an image one might see in an artist’s painting. Colour has been bleached and reduced to perhaps two or three tones.  The greyness of the overcast sky seems to re-inforce the flat tones of grey and brown today. I would be sure that on a sunny day, the view is somewhat different and other hues are more visible.  Ther is also a mist visible with the result that the view reflects a delineated image  and a popular perspective sometimes to be seen  hanging on an art gallery wall.

Looking around there is no significant evidence of any cultivation, instead one is confronted by the solemnity of the grey and brown tones. There is little evidence of any current habitation unless of course you happen to take (very easily done) the wrong turn on a meandering road which may lead you to a private residence set deep in a natural hollow but hidden from view by the casual visitor.

Here and there one comes across an old ruin of a small cottage. Generally roofless,  the walls are testament to the great skill and craft of local stone masons? These empty ruins are witness that at some point someone lived here but not anymore.

With the absence of colour the prevailing greyness takes a leading role in demanding your attention, much like a sepia photograph might do, it can time date but also provide an almost tangible link to the past.

Looking at these remains of some of the old deserted dwellings, one wonders who lived here? An individual, a Couple or an extended family?  The casual visitor can see no evidence of any link with today’s world, instead the links might be  simple home grown access routes which have become link roads to larger journeys deeper within Connemara.

There is no doubt that the view is impressive and on a warm cloudless summer’s day, the view can only but be impressive. Like the artist who paints with minimalist flair the hen which escapes from a built another pen.

Essentially the random twisted direction of the roads, the deep hollows and the prevailing lack of any substantial and visible signs of infrastructure makes for a more ‘untouched’ natural outward appearance. The thinly veiled soil supports rough vegetation enough it would seem to suustain sheep grazing which appear in great numbers here and there. The empty ruined dwellings serve as reminders that people once lived in these parts but wher are they? One wonders what has happened to the individual(s)?  Are these the ghostly remains of dwellings lost out to emigration? Does the ghost of yesterday’s Past still linger here?

Despite the lack of bold colour and distinctive foliage of more cultured plant species, the wild desperate colours of the low growing grasses and weeds appeals along with that of the boggy and craggy surfaces. Along these roads with no names, looking for a sign in these parts is more likely to be found somewhere in the star studded night sky?

Despite the sadness of deserted ruins one can sense a potential glowing experience of peace and harmony to be found in these parts. Nature is the star performer here and the beauty of this area to the west of Oughterard remains here, with or without you.

Wild & wonderful Nature nearby Oughterard

Posted on May 4th, 2009

Leading out of the village square, not far from the  junction with the N59 in Oughterard village centre, the main road which leads travellers to the ‘Gateway to Connemara’, Clifden and beyond is the Glann Road. Beyond the many beautiful stone built houses, The Glann Road eventually leaves the outskirts of Oughterard village behind and disappears under a continuous mantle of trees buzzing with bird song, becoming a country lane running parallel and close enough to clearly hear the waves lapping gently along the shoreline of the great and famous Lough Corrib. Wild by Nature and famed throughout the world for its great fishing, the Corrib is flanked by low lying rolling hills reminiscent of pastoral scenes.

Here too dotted throughout the green landscape is the sound of spring with the innocent appeal of newly born lambs. Lurking in the background are the awe inspiring mountains stretching beyond.  

Today the weather was very changeable, and during a series of alternating brief exchanges of warmed rain showers and joyful sunshine, the scenery takes on an almost momentous air of great grandeur. Throughout this area the sense of rising sap is overwhelming. Trees, shrubs, meadow flowers are on the verge of bursting forth with all the promise and colour of the new season. Trees of all types are bearing new  buds, rhododendrons heavy in bud are already showing early glimpses of iminent magical colourful displays, whilst the Fuchsia lined hedgerows full of leaf, are patiently waiting for their moment of magical display.  Here in this wild and wonderful corner of this famous region, Nature is putting on an early but stunning display of sunwashed bliss. Today however most travellers come well prepared. As soon as the sun takes shelter behind the clouds, the skyline quickly takes on a menacing look of deep foreboding, light levels drop, so too do the temperatures and suddenly sheets of rain are unleashed. Within minutes the rain has passed and the sunwashed scenery resumes with little visible evidence of any intermittent rain showers.  

Closer inspection reveals the gritty harsh realities of this wild, beautiful and natural landscape. All around are relics of the weather beaten environment, twisted trees some with incredible grotesque shapes, permanently disfigured are testament to all of how harsh and cruel nature can be. Here and there throughout the fields and hills are reminders of weak and poor draining soil conditions. 

Rocks protrude throughout the area, many reminders of the famous rock culture to be found throughout the wider region. Wind swept and weather beaten reminders can be found everywhere in this area which is an awe inspiring panorama of wild Nature. 

The small haphazard free standing walls used to divide the fields are built using the unearthed stones. Sheep graze between these iconic walls, reminders not just of man’s great resourcefulness but perhaps the greater strength  and power of nature. Here in abundance are many reminders of the beauty of wild by Nature.