For novice gardeners to garden connoisseurs, garden designs to GIY gourmets, grandparents to grandchildren,

painters to photographers and family fun for all. 

tv and radio gardeners | free eventsworkshops | leading garden designers

nature trails | garden visits | music and entertainment

www.carlowgardentrail.com

Saturday 27th July - Monday 5th August 2013 carlow garden festivalcarlow garden festival

carlow garden festivalsaturday july 27th

Altamont Gardens and Altamont Plant Sales Bob Brown - A Bucketful of Things 

Internationally renowned writer, lecturer and nurseryman Bob Brown makes his first visit to the Carlow Garden Festival for what is sure to be a lively, entertaining and highly informative talk with one of the gardening world’s great characters. Herbaceous borders, adding magic to your late summer borders and good planting marriages are all topics which the garden enthusiast can look forward to. Bob also discusses some of his favourite plants from surprising novelties to  rising stars. Along with the extensive range already available at Altamont Plants, additional gems from Cotswold Garden Flowers will also be available for purchase on the day. 

Huntington CastleUna Halpin - Wildways Adventures and Family Nature Trails 

An afternoon of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy and share. Discover the trees, wild flowers and mini-beasts of the Huntington Castle Estate which features an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Join Una from Wildways Adventures for a tree and plant treasure hunt of their most famous species. Follow this with a fun invertebrate collection, using pooters, nets and beating trays to collect and identify insects, spiders and all types of creepy crawlies. Round off the afternoon with a series of interactive nature games, some active, and some puzzle based, on leaf and plant identification and plant and animal classification. 

Meet in the courtyard, Altamont Gardens, TullowN 52 44.252, W 6 43.69612 noon Free. Refreshment station serving teas, coffees and light snacks in the walled garden.

Meet in the courtyard, Huntington Castle, Clonegal N 52 41.420, W 6 38.8422.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Adults €5, OAP’s/concessions €4, Under 12 €2.50 which includes access to all garden areas and playground. Tea rooms open serving tea, coffee, snacks and light lunches. Castle tours also available.

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carlow garden festivalsunday july 28th

Burtown House and GardensSeamus O’ Brien - Talk and WalkVisit this unique artists’ garden, in the company of Seamus O’ Brien, Curator of Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens. The gardens at Burtown are made up of several areas which include glorious herbaceous borders, shrubberies, a rock garden and a walled organic vegetable garden. This informative talk and walk will focus on plant identification, cultivation, pests/diseases and the use of plants in garden design. 

Sculpture in the meadow walksStroll through the long meadow grasses and view large stone sculptures by Eileen MacDonagh, as well as Catherine Greene, David King, Sasha Sykes of Farm 21, Shane Jackson and Zimbabwean Sculpture.

Fringe ProgrammeAlso on view is an exhibition of 32 large photographs from the award winning exhibition of  “Vanishing Ireland”. The Vanishing Ireland Project began in 2001 when writer Turtle Bunbury and photographer James Fennell began to interview people of senior vintage. In 2003, they embarked upon the first of many extensive tours of Ireland to chronicle a world that is rapidly disappearing. They have now produced three volumes of the ‘Vanishing Ireland’ series. This exhibition brings to Burtown House some of the extraordinary faces of Ireland’s most senior citizens.

Retrospective of Wendy Walsh This exhibition features 70 original watercolour paintings by one of Ireland’s foremost botanical artists, Wendy Walsh. Now aged 97 Wendy still paints and lives at Burtown House. This exhibition includes many original paintings from her books, which with Dr. Charles Nelson’s written texts, have won many awards. An excellent opportunity to view some of Ireland’s most renowned botanical paintings. 

The Gallery Cafe at Burtown House is open for snacks and lunches using seasonal produce from the organic kitchen garden. 

Burtown House and Gardens, Athy, Co. Kildare (exit 3 off M9 motorway in direction of Athy) GPS: N 52 59.791, W 6 52.24612 noon  Admission: €10 

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carlow garden festivalsunday july 28th

Duckett’s GroveFun for all the family - Music in the garden and Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family in Duckett’s Grove, a ruined gothic mansion dating to the 18th, 19th and early 20th century. Sit back, relax and listen to the wonderful sounds of Beef Supreme, the renowned blue grass band on the lawns of the walled gardens. Pack a picnic or order one from the divine tea rooms. T: 085 113 6075E: madeleineok@gmail.com

Kids can also take teddy on a great day out. Dress him in his Sunday best and win a prize. On hand will be a special Teddy Bear’s Hospital where Teddy’s ailments are tended to with attention. All old, ill or torn teddy bears can be brought here to be mended and loved back to health - with years of experience the team at the Teddy Bear Hospital will work their magic.

Kids can also participate in the Teddy Bears Workshop running every 45 minutes throughout the afternoon where they will learn how to make a teddy bear crown to make and bring to the picnic. Materials supplied.

Animal lovers can look forward to a dedicated pet farm featuring rabbits, miniature ponies, donkeys, turkeys and lots more. Face painting, together with bouncy castle and displays from Carlow IT Dance team complete the line up for this fun packed afternoon.

This is a great opportunity to visit Duckett’s Grove Design - Craft and Gift Emporium, selling high quality artisan craft and also four individual craft workshops featuring products made on site by a jeweller, felter and stained glass artist. Take a glimpse into the past history of the Duckett family and enjoy self-guided tours of this fabulous ruined mansion which can be booked at Duckett’s Grove Design at a cost of €2 per person extra. Tea room serving tea,coffee, delicious cakes and light snacks.

Duckett’s Grove, 10 Minutes from Carlow, Tullow and Castledermot N 52.858766, W -6.8120522.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.€5 per car

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carlow garden festivalmonday 29th & tuesday 30th july

Hardymount Gardens Tuesday July 30th Matthew Jebb - Garden tour and afternoon teaStroll through the delightful Hardymount Gardens in the company of Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens and enjoy a plethora of gardening experiences from the walled garden with its herbaceous border full of unusual plants, to the vegetable and fruit gardens and the great Spanish chestnut which together all capture the essence of this relaxed country garden. Finish off the afternoon with a delicious home baked high afternoon tea on the lawns at Hardymount. 

The Delta Sensory Gardens and Delta Garden Centre, Strawhall EstateCarlow Town GPS: N 52.845025, W -6.92465  Talk 1: 12.30 p.m.  Talk 2: 2.30 p.m.Adults €5, OAP’s €4, garden centre open, restaurant open for teas, coffees and lunch etc. 

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Delta Sensory Gardens and Delta Garden Centre Helen Dillon - Colour Continuity and Herbaceous PlantingRenowned plants woman Helen Dillon explores many different aspects of gardening in a series of workshops at Delta Sensory Gardens. With Helen’s entertaining and witty style and vast knowledge of gardening, these workshops are guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the festival programme. 

July 29th Talk 1: 10 recipes for colour continuity Colour is essential in the garden and the palette available in flowers and foliage is infinitely varied. This talk focuses on practical and down-to-earth information for essential summer maintenance including feeding, dead heading, grooming and propagation. Helen also explores the importance of continuity - reliable and trusted plants which won’t let you down, while also advising on choosing and combining colour, one of the great challenges of gardening. 

July 29th Talk 2: Good examples of herbaceous planting Helen highlights key principles of good herbaceous and tree planting focusing on issues such as soil suitability, timing, size, potting mixes, form, texture and labelling.

Hardymount Gardens, Tullow GPS: N 52.799437, W -6.762451Tuesday July 30th at 2.30 p.m. €10

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carlow garden festivalwednesday july 31st

thursday august 1stFringe Programme - Art in the GardenThis was one of the most popular events of the 2012 festival. Take your pencils, pens and paints outside for an afternoon of exploration and sketching from 2 - 6 p.m. around the Herb Gardens at Kilgraney House. With artists including Gethyn Gibson on hand offering helpful advice and guiding your brush and pen strokes. Event unsuitable for children. 

Kilgraney House and Herb Gardens, BagenalstownN 52.659726, W -6.958863 Wednesday Mary White Talk 1: 2.00 p.m.  Talk 2: 4.00 p.m.€10 for both walks in aid of the Red Cross Syria Crisis Appeal Thursday Fringe Programme: 2.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.Entry and refreshments free - donations welcome for the Hope Centre, Enniscorthy

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Kilgraney House and Herb GardensMary White - Medicinal Herbs and Tree Folklore 

Talk 1: Medicinal HerbsConsisting of a series of interconnecting herbal gardens, Kilgraney features an enclosed kitchen garden, a tea walk, a medicinal herb courtyard, a medieval monastic herb garden and a garden of aromatic and fragrant herbs. Mary White, Environmentalist provides practical advice and information on herb growing and usage, leading visitors through the gardens and identifying herbs that are commonly used for medicinal and aromatherapy purposes. Many of the best healing plants can be grown within your own garden and this talk is ideal for those wishing to expand their knowledge in this area. Mary also outlines the benefits of herbal teas and tonics in alleviating common symptoms such as colds and flu infections, insomnia, sore throats and stress. 

Talk 2: Aspects of Tree Folklore

Mary White presents a new garden based on the myths and legends associated with native trees. 

carlow garden festivalthursday august 1st

RathwoodEanna Ní Lamhna - Environmental Gardening and Nature Walk

For a truly memorable family day out, enter in the fun at Rathwood’s Summer Safari Adventure with a train ride and a treasure hunt through the newly planted ‘aMAZEing Ireland’. Visit the Birds of Prey Centre at Woodlands Falconry - get up close and enjoy a variety of majestic birds including hawks, falcons and owls from all around the world. Join Eanna Ní Lamhna for two enlightening workshops and pick up a bargain in the special sale at the Garden Centre. Talk 1: Environmental friendly gardeningWith a bit of ‘know how’, every garden can be created to provide your own nature reserve.  In a practical hands-on workshop, Eanna Ní Lamhna demonstrates her Top Ten Tips to gardening for wildlife.  Find out which plants attract songbirds, butterflies, frogs and other interesting wildlife. Ideal for both young and old. Talk 2: Walk and Talk, Nature Trail WalkFrom stories about creepy crawlies to creating eco-friendly gardening spaces, this nature trail walk is sure to delight both young and old.  Join Eanna for an informative and fun insight into the flora, fauna and wildlife of Rath Woods. Ideal for both young and old.

Rathwood, Rath, Tullow GPS: N 52.802554, W -6.660172Talk 1: 12 noon  Talk 2: 2.00 p.m.Free to gardening workshops. For admission rates to the Summer Safari Adventure and Woodland Falconry visit www.rathwood.com andwww.woodlandsfalconry.com

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Meet in the courtyard, Altamont Gardens, TullowN 52 44.252, W 6 43.696 Time: Friday August 2nd at 2.30 p.m. Entry free - donations welcome for Carlow/Laois Alzheimers Society of Ireland

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carlow garden festivalfriday august 2nd

Huntington CastleMichael Legris - Nature Photography in the garden

Join award winning international photographer Michael Legris in the stunning grounds of Huntington Castle for a photography masterclass. Michael will lead a practical workshop around the gardens and woods giving handy tips and tricks to get the best results from photographing everything from flowers to bees to trees.Whether you use an iPhone or a digital camera this class is a must for anyone who wants to capture nature in all its glory. www.legris-photo.com

Altamont Gardens and Altamont Plant SalesDerry Watkins - A Mecca for Plant Lovers 

Derry Watkin’s Nursery near Bath in England is a mecca for plant lovers worldwide. This is your chance to experience this truly inspirational gardener and her even more inspirational plants in the beautiful surroundings of Altamont Gardens and Plants. Spare yourself the ferry journey and take a more leisurely trip to Ireland’s most romantic garden where visitors can enjoy an unmissable talk on famous plants from the past while casting an eye on the winners of the future. There will be plenty of time for questions and queries afterwards during which you can enjoy refreshments on the lawn in the Walled Gardens.

The Courtyard, Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co. CarlowN 52 41.420, W 6 38.84211.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.Adults €5, OAP’s/concessions €4, Under 12 €2.50 which includes access to all garden areas and playground. Tea rooms open serving tea, coffee, snacks and light lunches.

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The Garden of Remembrance, Leighlinbridge Village N 52.736832, W -6.978805 4.30 p.m. Adults €5, children free

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carlow garden festivalsaturday august 3rd

Dick Warner in Leighlinbridge VillageThis is an event to be enjoyed by both adults and children with equal enthusiasm. Join river expert Dick Warner for an informative insight into the flora and fauna, wildlife and history of the River Barrow, Ireland’s premier waterway. Dick will also focus on the sights and sounds of some of Ireland’s best loved birds in their natural habitat including sparrows, thrushes and robins together with rarer varieties of ravens, water hens, peregrines and herons. This walk will be followed by a barbeque on the banks of the River Barrow in Leighlinbridge.

Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Centre Dermot O’ Neill - Summer Barbeques, Bulb Planting and Tour

Talk 1: Summer Barbeques

A great opportunity to taste some fabulous local food and vegetable produce as Dermot O’ Neill and the Head Chef at the Arboretum discuss barbequeing in the summer season.

Talk 2: Bulb Planting

August and September is the perfect time to take some well deserved rest from daily gardening chores and plan ahead if you want to fill your garden with colour next spring. Dermot will concentrate on ideal bulbs to plant during this time from daffodils to tulips, crocus, grape hyacinths and fritillarias. Principles of bulb purchase and storage, best planting locations, planting methods, tips and techniques and after care are covered in this talk.

Talk 3: Garden Tour of the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens

In a 1-hour tour of the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens, Dermot provides details of simple gardening techniques, designed to maximise colour in the summer and into the autumn. A visit to this garden is a treat for the amateur or the enthusiast who will enjoy seeing the themed planting, use of colour, texture and form.

Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Centre, LeighlinbridgeN 52.742917, W -6.975077Talk 1: 12 noon Talk 2: 2.30 p.m. Talk 3: 3.30 p.m. Free

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carlow garden festivalsaturday august 3rd

Huntington CastleWhispers in the Night

Classical music in the beautiful settings of Huntington Castle and Gardens starring a trio of highly accomplished international musicians.Kerstin Doelle – Soprano, Karin Leitner – Flute, Eoin O’Callaghan – Piano. The programme will feature beautiful night songs and romantic airs perfect for a summers evening. Be surprised and serenaded with musical gems by Alexander Zemlinksy and other composers.

sunday august 4th

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Huntington Castle, Clonegal GPS: N 52 41.420, W 6 38.8427.00 p.m.€15.00 including wine available from Huntington Castle 053 937 7160 or email info@huntingtoncastle.com. Kindly sponsored by the Zemlinksy Fond Vienna.

Newtownbarry House and Gardens Walk and Talk with Fionnuala Fallon

Newtownbarry House is a nineteenth century home built on stunning acres of woodland beneath the Blackstairs Mountains just a few minutes walk from the town of Bunclody. The gardens comprise of the recently restored 18th and 19th century sunken garden, rose garden and the lake. Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times gardening columnist, will conduct a guided tour of these spectacular gardens while visitors can enjoy some delicious refreshments and home baking. 

Fringe Programme Painting and Drawing 

An exhibition originally conceived as a summer type show but now expanded to lift the medium of drawing into its more rightful place - that is on equal footing with painting. For this exhibition artists from 4 countries have been selected who are working in both mediums with ease. An additional exhibit by Andrew Kenny in the original kitchen downstairs will deal with our occasional experiences with more paranormal and inexplicable phenomena.All through the run of these two shows a small representation of individual artists who make their home in Bunclody, or were born and raised here, will also be featured.

Wexford plein air painters group visit on Thursday 1st August 2013 as part of Art in the Open International Plein Air Festival.

Rathvilly Garden Centre, Rathvilly GPS: N 52.898794, W -6.697225Talk 1: 2.30 p.m. Talk 2: 4.00 p.m. Admission: Free - All Welcome

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Newtownbarry House, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford N 52.658971, W -6.645423 Time: Fionnuala Fallon Talk 2.30 p.m. Adults €5, house and garden visit €6, concessions for OAPs/children €4 Open Bank Holiday Monday  Gallery: 2 - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday during exhibitions (admission free) 

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carlow garden festivalsunday 4th & monday 5th august

Newtownbarry House and Gardens Among the artists shown in the upstairs galleries are:Stephen Lack (USA), Joseph McGill (IRL), Andrew Kenny (IRL), Ulrich Rueckriem (D), Jacob Maendel (USA), Clody Norton (IRL), Bernadette Kiely (IRL), Oisin Byrne (IRL), Claudia Schwalb’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” (USA), Colin Thomson (USA), John Moore (IRL), Gordon Campbell (IRL), Michael Burges (D), John Renwick (IRL), Robert Beard (USA), Martin Gale (IRL), Maria Levinge (IRL), Lindsay Walt (USA), Claire Lambe (IRL/USA), Gerda Teljeur (NL), Paul Mosse (IRL), Cormac Boydell  (IRL), Tim Goulding (IRL), Donald Teskey (IRL), Mick O’Dea (IRL), and Harry Durdin-Robertson (IRL). Entrance to the gallery FREE.

Rathvilly Garden Centre Monday August 5th Helen Dillon - Compost making, Maintenance of borders and Small gardens

Talk 1: Making compost and summer maintenance of borders Learn the art of making the perfect garden compost from one of Ireland’s great plant specialists Helen Dillon. This demonstration takes a step-by-step approach to transform your garden and household waste into the perfect food for your plants. Helen will also explain the importance of dead heading, supporting weed control and filling gaps.

Talk 2: Small gardens and planting ideas including vegetable growing - questions and answers A chance to have all your questions answered by one of Ireland’s most respected gardening experts.