The Meadows is positioned in a small estate in Myshall village with views extending to the Wicklow Mountains, the Carlow Ridge and Mount Leinster. The plot at No. 7 is about a third of an acre and slopes steeply into the hillside with the back shaded by sycamores. In front of the house there are plantings of pampas grass, miscanthus, dwarf and prostate conifers, orange fennel, watsonia, kniphofia, fox gloves, heathers and catmint. The back is planted with an informal hedge of shrub roses and trees interspersed with mostly herbaceous plants, set into gravel. Designed with low maintenance in mind with only intermittent hard work to keep it in order. The concept for this garden came from a garden in Gravesend on a wind swept pebble beach, the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries, Persian miniatures, Chinese landscape scrolls and Capability Brown’s integration of garden and landscape. Gravel over myplex is used as a foundation and the large granite boulders have been sourced from a local farmer. A visit to The Meadows demonstrates what can be achieved with a small budget and limited time, and will certainly inspire others in a similar situation to create something of beauty. The gardens have suitable space for a quiet read or painting and enjoy a leisurely stroll throughout the vast array of colours.
FACILITIES: Car park, toilet, art gallery, garden studio. Artists welcome.
HOW TO FIND US: Opposite Myshall Garda Station on the Kildavin Road R724.
OPENING TIMES: March – September, 12 – 5 p.m. daily with the exception of Thursday. ADMISSION: €3.
