debbie… thursday garden guest #2

UPDATE:

12th February 2010
I got the news today that Debbie has passed away. Shocked, stunned, saddened… apart from all of the many beautiful charachteristics – she was also a fellow gardener Funny thing, we spoke last week and were planning on doing garden tours together as a bit of a new business…. She was gonna call back after she did some research….. All that aside, Debbie would smile knowing I’m still trying to figure out if it’s a coffee or a pint she has in that photograph Missed already.

As a by the way she stayed up well into the wee hours of the [next] morning trying to get this garden guest post together….

debbie… thursday garden guest #2

debbie & friends

If you’d like to know more about Thursday Garden Guest time – click here.

For the moment writer number #2 is Debbie Metrustry alias debbiemet. A lover of all things outdoors and botanical. I first met Debbie at Electric Picnic. A common love of horticulture is more professionally shared here. An absolute lady, a pleasure to meet and a great person to be around. For now, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce Debbie.

The Garden – What I Like

There are so many things I like about The Garden that it’s hard to know where to begin. From the personal lessons I have learnt through gardening, through the visceral joy of being connected with the earth, the curiosity and wonder at observing plants grow, the pure aesthetic pleasure of being in gardens of great beauty and intriguing design — through all these and the wonderful opportunities that I’ve been given – from the profound to the frivolous – there is not one aspect of my being that remains untouched.

My first ‘go’ at this blog came out as a chronological list masked as my biography: not so interesting, really. So I ditched it, and decided instead just to give you the things I like, in no particular order.

I love the brown earth. I love having my hands in the soil. I mean I really love it. When I look at the rich, chocolate-coloured earth, dormant, but harbouring and nourishing all manner of living things, I feel a deep sense of rootedness, a connection. The smell of it after rain. Or a bright, crisp day with the sun shining and birds singing: well then there’s nothing to beat digging it. And mulching. Spreading well-rotted manure on a just-weeded or newly-planted bed is incredibly satisfying. It’s like Guinness for plants: black gold.

“Ploughed Field”
A whole field of the earth, just waiting for action

On a more modest scale: garden potential from Heligan

Toadstools at Mount Cuba Center, Delaware, taking advantage

Plants: I get excited about all sorts of plants and really have no discrimination. There’s nothing more exciting than going to a garden or nursery and discovering lots of fabulous plants I’d never heard of. Some nurseries are better than others, and this one, Plant Delights in North Carolina, is at the forefront of plant introductions. I spent hours and hours there, and had to be torn away from all the amazing new plants.

Banana and Tetrapanax

OK, so it looks a bit nettley (same family)…
…but it’s actually a really cool foliage plant

called Boehmeria platanifolia, collected by Plant Delights

They take their signage seriously

Beautifully laid out, and just look at all those lovely labels (bottom left)

I have a weak spot for herbaceous perennials which I love to grow myself, and I adore gardens that are full of them, especially when mixed with grasses in what is called the American prairie style. I’m a big fan of naturalistic planting, using natives where possible.

Prairie planting at Hunting Brook Gardens, Wicklow

The meadow at Mount Cuba Center, Delaware

A meadow on the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina

Looking out to the meadow at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania

Trees make me go weak at the knees and I am passionate about looking after them

Dublin Gardens: Modern, Low Maintenance

The thinking behind this garden was very much a modern feel, bright and natural, with lower maintenance to be kept in mind. The latter I feel is something that isn't entirely apparent at first glance and on a personal note, I have to admit, I really do like this garden. Quite simply, it feels natural and equally as important, it looks good. The backdrop of the upper back wall is bright tinged purple covered by instant semi mature planting which brings ones eye down to the brighter white of the lower wall. The gardens decked area is similar in feel to the wood cladding of the side walls, this in itself allowing a little more of a natural feel. To the pebble, soft and subtle I like the way it allows an ease of meeting between the two separate finished timber floorings.

The plants of choice were just two. But here they were two very smart and well thought photosynthetic investments. The Fargesia, a naturally dwarfed bamboo is set within the raised beds and used as the backdrop. Personally I love the rustle of the foliage here and in my mind, eyes closed it is as soothing as the sound of water.The alternate may have been to choose the lesser and more vigorous Phyllostachys aurea or P. nigra. Growth rates aside, I prefer the softer foliage and stems of the more feminine Fargesia.

The other plant of choice, Vinca minor. Extremely low growing, almost flat to the ground, the commonly know Periwinkle will form a tight knitting green cover over its planted area. En mass, in this garden, it looks absolutely stunning. Soft and subtle, it is just a touch similar in colour and feel to the leaves of the slow growing bamboo and when its delicate blue flower does decides to blossom, it simply adds to the natural feel of what is a really fine example of a a room outdoors. The alternate to the V. minor is of course the by far, more vigorous Vinca major. There's something about this garden that I really do love. In it's category, I have firmly placed it up there with only the finest. More than that, it feels good sitting within this space. And that, that feeling, requires just that extra little touch of thought, consideration and imagination.

Q’s or thoughts [?] leave a comment below or drop me a line. Peter Donegan:

email: info@doneganlandscaping.com
phone: +353(87)6594688
twitter: @DoneganGardens
facebook: DoneganLandscaping

By Peter Donegan|July 30th, 2012|All Posts, Donegan Gardens and Services|0 Comments

I've been creating gardens under the Donegan Landscaping name since 2001 and though this garden was made a little ago now, my reason for stalling off posting a full note on it here is that I just couldn't find any of the before I got there images. Worth the wait, the best of the worst is pictured below.

Above anything what made this space, as with any homes space outside, was that it was made for a really very lovely family. That and in the end as space, it really worked. In the choice planting department I love the use of lavender close to the built-in seating and that the rustle of the fargesia is not too far behind that. I also like that the elephant in the room that is the shed was brought into play as versus pretending it simply was not there. Though that maybe is a rarity, in this case it suited.

The other little touches I absolutely love were the garden seating and table built to fit within the raised beds. And yup that is a mirror surface used as a surface for the table top.

And finally, if you scroll to the image at the very top, you'll see lighting built-in on the lower of the left hand side; this image below is the side opposite.

Q’s or thoughts [?] leave a comment below or drop me a line. Peter Donegan:

email: info@doneganlandscaping.com
phone: +353(87)6594688
twitter: @DoneganGardens
facebook: DoneganLandscaping

By Peter Donegan|June 19th, 2013|All Posts, Donegan Gardens and Services|0 Comments

Simple as it may sound, the key to any great space is the creation of a feeling. One that suits, fits and just sits rightly with you, within your outdoor space called home. Maybe that's the hard bit ? To explain; Some gardens, I find, can be a little like listening to Daniel O'Donnell, with your Father in Law, complete with that cup of lovely Darjeeling tea. And that's grand. But sometimes you maybe are more yourself, relaxed and mind-less of the toils of everyday life that one should escape, when you are seated in some old Sheebeen with your best mate and a pint of plain; or in this case your garden, if you get me. That in mind this space, exuded everything that is the ultimate in absolute and pure escapism. Soft in pallette, the more wonderul bits were left to the flowering elements, bark colours, herbaceous planting and subtle as changes in season. More, in its favour was that I introduced planting that was slower growing yet of instant mature and also some fine feature plants ~ Them that very simply stood that little bit taller in more ways than one above the rest. The emphasis in this space is very much on the soft plant landscaping and maybe that is what makes it slightly unusual [?].

Here choice tall specimens screen the view from within the kitchen of the necessary shed and also in screening the view of the door back from the far end of the garden. Further, the medium height planting dapples the symmetry of the machine cut granite path from the back door to the main tabled seating area; and any which way you look at it, there is now a journey to get to where life is just that little bit slower. Far more important, the journey back is one that now feels like it would very simply take far too long to even to even contemplate standing up. Botany aside, I find gardens, the really good ones, are about what you feel when you sit or stay in that space and allow time pass you by. And like that girl you loved when you were but 17, sometimes it more exciting when you wonder if she equally wondered what you were thinking when you wrote her that poem that was almost a sonnet, but for it had 15 lines in it. Daydreaming firmly to one side, what you don't see here at the back of this garden is a wee little getaway for at a squeeze just 2 about people; an open air seated wee spot of hidden contentment if you will, with a view of only the garden and an 8 metre journey back, that you are quite simply just too darned relaxed to even consider dreaming of making.

Q’s or thoughts [?] leave a comment below or drop me a line. Contact Peter Donegan:

email: info@doneganlandscaping.com
phone: +353(87)6594688
twitter: @DoneganGardens
facebook: DoneganLandscaping

By Peter Donegan|June 11th, 2013|All Posts, Donegan Gardens and Services|0 Comments

As fencing goes, there are many styles and types that I have been party to. But, in the front of ~~house~~ home extremely eloquent department, there are few if any that come close to how beautiful a finish this wood is. In short, if barrel board were a lady, I would happy recite it the most lovely paragraphs of Shakespeare's finest. Of note, if you are looking for the cheapest quote or in short a screen made of wood; then it's probably best you head on over to one of the many DIY Super Store emporiums. No offence.... see what I did there ? Fence. No. No ? To explain, sometimes a Ferrari is the right call and sometimes the Transit van will do just dandy. Here, we chose the MG BGT. 1977 version. With the chrome bumpers and 4 speed overdrive. ie. the very smart and damn tasty option.

Built as one part of an overall project it does looks great on its lonesome but, it was also extremely important that it fitted within the overall picture. And, it does. Of significance, I find the better gardens I have created from ones space, in part, come all the way back to working with and in this case, for a really fine Client. I hate that word. There were calls that had to be made before it was built. Decisions that logically affected costs and by default therefore appearance. An appearance that had to include practicalities.

Though it is rare that I get moved over fencing, complete with recitals of Romeo and Juliet, I guess I still love and get excited by being able to see of the future what that space will become that I can see in my mind; and then in the actual physical sense when I see it complete. Sounds silly ? But picture if you will your [imaginary, or not] wife to be in the white dress. Easy peezy chalky cheezy. And a tenner says you still cried like a girl when she walked up the aisle; though you knew how she might look. Back on planet gardens; and to the barrel board and this front garden... I love that there are 3 bin screens, one large gate and one pedestrian entrance built-in. Very logic. And still it is one of the finest cases of practical included within one of the finest finishes that may be called a fence.

Q’s or thoughts [?] leave a comment below or drop me a line. Peter Donegan:

email: info@doneganlandscaping.com
phone: +353(87)6594688
twitter: @DoneganGardens
facebook: DoneganLandscaping

By Peter Donegan|June 8th, 2013|All Posts, Donegan Gardens and Services|0 Comments

Worse than them cousins that appear empty-handed every Christmas, eat all of your mince pies, clear out your drinks cabinet and then reappear twelve months later unannounced... Vine Weevil are one of them that just make my blood boil. I hate them, nobody likes them and really they have zero characteristics of benefit to anyone but themselves. Harsh ? You have no idea.... Who Are These Little F@*?ers ? Vine Weevil or Otiorhynchus sulcatus have a life cycle similar to that of a butterfly and depending on the stage they are at, is dependent on the damage type they will cause. Never seen 'em before ? They look very like something the I'm A Celebrity Get Me Outta Here jungle folk would eat in one of them challenges, except they are smaller. Further...

The eggs are usually found in wee little clumps that nestle together like a miniature boulder of luminous yellow/ white frozen tiny frozen peas. And it is when they develop into a 1cm long legless grub, with a wee brown head, that they begin their feeding. The big problem with this family is that usually when we cop that they visited, it's just too late. Because what we see is a slow down in growth, then a plant wilting until it eventually collapses, keels over and dies. All of this caused by the weevils eating the plants growth below ground, where their eggs were laid. Of note the adults lay their eggs in Spring/ Summer ~ very important in the CSI What Killed My Plant Miami Dept. Smarter than they look, the matt black adults feed only at night-time and then disappear all day. I know one or two humans who do that... The adult weevils preference is only to eat the leaves of our plants, above ground level. In the context of getting one back and in what some gardeners may call justice ~ just to confuse them, someone gave them wings that are about as useful to them as a concrete block. How The Flip Do I Stop These Flippers:

Garden hygiene in short is all about keeping your garden tidy, regularly. In that I mean really really giving it a good decent once over down on your hands and knees 2- 3 times per year. And it is the not doing that that encourages the Vine Weevil's to set up home in your patch or garden. Taking it a stage further, in plant growing, the hygiene starts with sterilising pots [I use milton, yup for baby bottles or jeyes fluid] and clean compost. Not doing the basics here, then propagating plants and then handing out to varying punters is what gives some nurseries a bad name, or allows you the individual to fall out with friends and family. In choosing plants, I only choose my plants from good nurseries. And a quick survey of their plants, should it be necessary will tell me if they are using products like Suscon Green of old or Supernemos to prevent the Otiorhynchus sulcatus from developing further, prior to being brought into your garden. Why am I noting this: We are in high season for egg laying and their eating. One very simply may not cop it for another few months. That and prevention is better than cure. Any queries or Q's, pop a comment in below or drop me a line. Details on the contact Peter Donegan page.

image 1: Above top, cabbage plants after vine weevil had dinner
image 2: what Philip saw and why he text me
image 3 and 4: vine weevil eggs
image 5: new born weevil
image 6: (below) Philip's text to me last night

By Peter Donegan|June 7th, 2013|All Posts, Garden Advice|0 Comments

I've already noted the fruit bush hedge, which may be worth a read before you read this; in fact, recommended you go read that and then come back here and read this, in order for this to make sense... if that makes sense ;) Back over here... Organised but disorganised within, this was prior to an odd little bit of a garden space. Geographically, it lies to the side of the home, as versus the back or front and really, it had become a little of a no mans land that just didn't sit right in any ones mind. There was a sort of unknown unease being there; a little like Del Boy and Rodney and the time they turned up to that funeral in the Batman and Robin costumes.... God that was funny ! Point taken.

What I wanted, was a feeling of slight privacy, just enough for it not to be a gradual continuation of the front, yet also without separating entirely those who may pass by the adjacent roadside. ie. not, the 40' high wall option, but more the curtain netting effect of dappled vision, if you will. The question as always when, it has never existed there before is how the future image in my mind will make that space make you feel when you spend time there. One of the downsides of when spaces as such are designed so neat and tidy is that there are that many trees to mow around and though I don't mind becoming dizzy and did think about it; here I guess I didn't want a 17th Century ye olde styled formal orchard. Far more important, this is not a Peter Donegan [singular] Memorial Garden and therefore Client in mind, a landscape devoid of any mystique or intrigue was never gonna happen. To put a word on it, biodiversity solved that dilemma. And with bio-diversity, comes also the bi-product of nigh on zero maintenance. Tadaaaah ! I am titanium. I hate that song.

Three seasons on, the uncouth growing throughout the perimeter has now begun to meet the base of the trees, which I love very dearly. More, I like that 3 and a bit year old Ella [my client] goes out and picks flowers from here for Nanny and also that she, without being told [very important in knowing that the space works, naturally] will sit there with Abby [her doll] and mind her there. Created with very smartly chosen trees, of note to some and within the fruiting cul-de-sac [above] what you see are 5 no. cherry trees, 5 no. plum trees, 10 eating and 10 cooking apples, all planted in triangulation. In the taller peoples picture of timotei type adverts, what we have here is a little of everything: The sound of the birds and also the bees, the scent, the year round colour and in case I may forget an absolute treasure trove of fruit called home. And a hedge ~ my clients Moms primary wish. Q’s or thoughts [?] leave a comment below or drop me a line. Peter Donegan:

email: info@doneganlandscaping.com
phone: +353(87)6594688
twitter: @DoneganGardens
facebook: DoneganLandscaping

By Peter Donegan|May 30th, 2013|All Posts, Donegan Gardens and Services|0 Comments

12 3 Next

. But give me a mature beech and I’m as happy as Larry. There is nothing so majestic as the mature or champion beech, and it reminds me, whenever I’m in doubt, of why I went into horticulture in the first place. Trees teach me that we are caretakers of this earth, that we plan and plant for future generations, and that the passing of time is a Good Thing. They also remind me to curb my impatient side, which is rather too well developed at times.

Since becoming a gardener of course I’ve always loved Spring; here it starts early, and you feel and smell the excitement in the air from February if you care to look, or if you just go out and sniff. In the US it seemed as if Winter would last for ever, but then one day Spring arrived, and it took me completely by surprise. The flowering trees – which were everywhere and I hadn’t previously noticed – had exploded into fabulous, floriferous, glorious life so abruptly and dramatically that I very nearly crashed the car. Seriously.

The Spring exuberance of Magnolias and Japanese cherries in Longwood Gardens

I didn’t quite get the full impact of autumn, because 2005 wasn’t a particularly spectacular one, and this year I was just a week or so too early. However, there was still some good drama going on, and I liked it very much indeed.

The nursery at Longwood Gardens

Woodland plants provide a wonderful and never-ending array of variation. These are plants who display their wares shyly, biding their time waiting for that window between dappled spring sunshine and the shade of full leaf-burst. They have a way of creeping up on you: for example, trilliums! Do you know how gob-smackingly beautiful they are? — albeit in a subtle way. The wonderful Mount Cuba Center in Delaware has a fabulous collection of them, and I was lucky enough to be there in Spring to see them in all their tentative glory.

Trillium stamineum (Twisted trillium) and Trillium discolor

The detail and intricacy of flowers, best viewed up-close and personal. What’s not to love about these?

Iris in Mount Stewart Garden

I forget… but it’s in the Eden Project

Passiflora incarnata at the JC Raulston Arboretum, North Carolina

Blood smudge-splash of Rhododendron at Mount Stewart

I confess I have a soft spot for garden gadgets. It’s not surprising really, I am an aspiring geek, after all. Stainless steel spades are beautiful, good secateurs are a gal’s best friend, my oscillating hoe makes hoeing spectacularly easy and keeps my back pain-free; my Bosch shredder gives me free mulch in the woodland area of my garden while recycling any woody prunings. And my state-of-the-art builder’s gel kneepads are a godsend, and I wouldn’t be without them.

Exciting stuff, I know.

Last, but absolutely not least, I have found inspiration and true joy in every garden I’ve worked in, and most I’ve visited. They all have moments of great beauty and creativity to share. There are dozens of gardens that I love, each with its own special atmosphere that lifts the heart and soothes the soul. Here is a very small random selection from the thousands of photos I’ve taken in the last eight years.

The National Botanic Garden, Glasnevin – my alma mater. I spent three years studying here and so it is a place of very special significance. Every week amidst the busy-ness we cherished stealing some time out just to do the walk around. The Palm House was actually closed for the whole three years I was there, so I was thrilled when it finally opened.

The Palm House was actually closed for the whole three years I was there, so
I was thrilled when it finally opened.

Victoria cruziana, an important and beautiful plant in the garden’s history.

The bandstand in the arboretum

Apart from beech, this is my favourite tree in the garden,
entirely because of its wonderful bark.
Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis

A superb Japanese maple near the rockery.
It’s also near the plant in the rockery that was planted in memory of a dear friend
and classmate who died in 2006.

Altamont Gardens, Co. Carlow was where I did my first placement. The lake there is full of life and a very beautiful setting. When I started working there I found it impossible not to stop and stare all the time – I couldn’t believe my luck.

Altamont house from the lake.

Fast forward now to the USA and Longwood Gardens where I interned for a year. Longwood is defined by its water and its spectacular colour.

The daily fountain shows are set to music

About twenty thousand tulips are planted each year

Not far from where I fell – actually I walked – in. I still like it, in spite of that.

Longwood’s hybrid Victorias – originally bred from one at Glasnevin.

Chanticleer is just as impressive as Longwood, but has a more contemporary design. It’s my favourite garden and is full of mystery and fun.

The Teacup garden

A spot of stainless steel

The pool where we had my farewell party. Nice!

I wanted to include more places but you’d be reading this forever if I did, so this will have to do for now. Once I started, I realised that actually there’s very little I don’t like about The Garden.

I’ll leave you with a sample of Longwood’s spectacular firework display. Yes, they were that glad to be rid of me.

Thanks for reading!

By Peter Donegan|November 6th, 2008|All Posts, Reading|11 Comments

11 Comments

Sara November 6, 2008 at 4:18 pm

Hi Debbie,

Great post and I love the photos, especially the Victoria cruziana!

All the best
Sara
Julian November 6, 2008 at 4:38 pm

Thank you, Debbie, for a bright spell on a dull day. It’s hard not to think of doing a runner back to Annes Grove, where some passionate gardeners of independent means could find plenty to keep them busy. I know how I’ll answer the clichéd question if I ever win the lotto.
Guest blog spot on Donegan Landscaping « Anyone there? November 6, 2008 at 6:12 pm

[...] But at least I’ve not been completely idle: Peter Donegan very kindly asked me to do a guest blog spot on his landscaping site, and that has just gone live. [...]
Debbie November 6, 2008 at 6:30 pm

Thanks for the nice comments, Sara and Julian.

BTW take note of the coloured fountains in the background, underneath the fireworks. It really is an all-round-spectacular show!
Bohoe November 6, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Im truly envious about those 3 years at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. I hope I can do that meself soon! And the victoria cruciana brought some nice memories, thanks!
Debbie November 6, 2008 at 10:48 pm

@bohoe and I’m truly envious of your photographic talents. If you’re thinking of doing Hort full-time do get in touch for a chat.

Re the Victoria, my ex-boss in Longwood, the curator Tomasz Anisko, is writing a book on Victorias. He’s looking for other specimens to come and visit. It has an amazing story! Here’s another shot for you – http://url.ie/vcr (sadly not in bloom).
Deborah November 7, 2008 at 10:16 am

What a cheerful post Debbie. How lucky you are to be able to do something you obviously love so much.
thomas… thursday garden guest #10 on Peter Donegan’s Landscaping Blog | Irish Allotments January 15, 2009 at 12:20 pm

[...] garden guest #5 4: Damien… Thursday garden guest #4 3: marie… thursday garden guest #3 2: debbie… thursday garden guest #2 1: bohoe… thursday garden guest #1 This entry was posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 at [...]
Garden Landscaping Ideas May 18, 2009 at 5:32 am

Oh my! Those gardens are magnificent. Looking at these pictures, I just came up with another batch of garden landscaping ideas. I hope I can do justice to my own humble garden.

I love the landscape garden design of Altamont Gardens. The place has indeed rightfully earned the title of “the jewel of Ireland’s gardening crown.” When I visited Altamont a few years ago, I was enchanted by the plethora of beautiful plants and lush landscapes. Strolling through the garden’s walks, I imagined I was traveling in some magical fairy tale paradise, especially when I reached and saw the magnificent Altamont’s artificial lake. I must salute the landscape architects and the people who built that place.

I haven’t been to Ireland for some time but I would sure like to visit the Altamont Gardens again.
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