Pictured above, the back cover of Jane Powers book, The Living Garden which has of recent been republished auf Deutsch/ in German. As you can see it comes with a quote signed off by Peter Donegan. That would be me of course.
Ob für den angehenden oder den erfahrenen Gärtner, ob für den Balkon oder einen großen Landsitz – Living Garden ist eine Bibel für alle, die den Wunsch verspüren könnten, mit dem Gärtnern anzufangen, und für die, die schon einen Garten haben, ein Handbuch, das voller Anregungen steckt, zu eigenen schöpferischen Ideen anregt und Probleme lösen hilft.
(Peter Donegan)
Potential or expert, Balcony or Estate, The Living Garden – is – a bible for those who may wish to begin gardening and a problem solving, idea generating, creative mind stirring directory for those who have a garden.
(Peter Donegan)
Although the book review was done on this garden blog, my interview with Jane aired on The Sodshow, the garden radio show I present when I’m not creating gardens and hence the reference to www.sodshow.com
It was Sunday last when I visited Corkagh Park Demesne with The [Non] Gardeners Group that I run and if I’m honest, I was very aware that I had passed this park, sited just off the Naas Road Clondalkin, many times and had never popped in. For that alone, my love of the great outdoors and maybe to an extent for the historical gardens I have designed, I most probably deserve a wee kick in the bottom.
Opened to the public in 1986, the 120 hectare Demesne dates back to 1650 with Corkagh House being constructed there between 1702 and 1714. And though the original grounds, would have contained water gardens, rose gardens, walled and kitchen gardens, to name but a few – through its evolution, there of course have been changes.
Of note in the estates cycle is it’s connection to The Titanic and how it did change the course of the estates future. That however and it’s the life story is one far better told by the staff of South Dublin County Council, namely Máire Ní Dhomhnaill, Joe Hickey and David Cotter who were ever so lovely in their welcoming of the garden group.
In the meantime, be you a garden designer, a lover of the great outdoors or just looking for a nice spot to bring your picnic for a days outing, a visit there is highly recommended. From the fishing lakes, pet farms and playgrounds – to the history, the rose gardens and nature walks ~ there is literally something there for everyone.
The gardeners guide for the month of August will air live today, Friday @ 3pm on The SodShow, Dublin’s only garden radio show. Listen details for podcast and radio are as follows:
Head Honcho, Dave Robinson and his team were nothing but absolutely brilliant, inspirational and genuine lovely people and from the bottom of my heart a huge thank you to all who made the day great for us. To those who came along on the day, you are all very simply lovely people.
Fact: Did you know the compostable toilet at Rathbeggan Lakes [photgraphed below] was officially opened by Mary Robinson ?
For the great outdoors enthusiast, the gardener or the horticulturist no matter the age or level of experience Rathbeggan has something for everyone. I’m looking forward to this Friday’s garden radio show already 😉
Saturday 10th December, The SodShow teamed up with Gelert and Millets Mary Street to take five people and record the journey as we hiked, trekked and wild camped overnight, without tents, in The Wicklow Mountains.
Why do this for Dublin’s Garden Radio Show The SodShow ?
We have spoke many times on The SodShow about my Hedgerow walks, eating from the wild, native Irish plants and trees, the garden groups outings and [ordinary] camping. We thought it a good idea to somehow and in someway, join them all together.
In this case and of note we went to a [Wicklow] National Park. From a horticultural perspective, it contains many pre mapped nature trails including a flower walk and tree walks. Eight of the Park’s plants are in fact classified as threatened – three are vulnerable and five are rare. We also wandered much of its forestry and slept only with what nature could surround us with. Also we don’t think this has ever been done for radio before and – the landscape is absolutely stunning.
That aside, if the equipment and clothing used will more than suffice overnight in December in Ireland, without tents, in the Wicklow Mountains – it should do you well whilst out for a[ny] walk or work in the great outdoors.
Note:
The five are very experienced in [in short] the great outdoors.
The audio recorded will be aired as a mini series of sorts for The SodShow.
All equipment used was supplied by Gelert Ltd and Millets of Mary Street.
It is not recommended you do this unless you are experienced.
Mini series set to air: on radio/ podcast for 4 weeks from Dec 23rd & Jan 6th – 20th. There will be no SodShow December 30th
Our journey timelines are as follows – Saturday 10th December
08:30 Meet for debrief and equipment check at Millets Mary Street
10:15 Arrive Wicklow Mountains and final checks
10:30 Depart from base and begin Wicklow Mountain trek
16:35 Establish base camp
10:15 Sunday – Leave No Trace final checks and depart Wicklow Mountains
A separate post will explain the kit and equipment that we used. These images should help in visualising the audio as the story is told over the coming weeks.
It is one thing to encourage you to try this or any more simplified variation of, but it is better to encourage you to do it with the correct preparation.
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