My name is Joan Ganley, and I live and garden in Calgary, Alberta (Zone 4). But today I would like to share pictures taken during a trip to Ireland in May 2016. While visiting family in Dublin, I had the opportunity to visit The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland. Founded in 1795, the gardens cover 48 acres and contain over 20,000 plant species. Here are a few highlights from my visit. May the luck of the Irish be with you!
The Teak House is located near the botanic garden entrance and provides space for floral fairs and exhibits. A cape primrose (Streptocarpus hybrid, Zones 10–11 or as a houseplant) shows off here.
A framed vertical succulent garden on display in the Teak House during the Dublin and District Cactus and Succulent Society show in May.
Steps away from the Teak House is the Alpine House. Alpine plants could easily rot if left outdoors in Dublin’s climate. This alpine table has captured my young cousin’s interest!
Good drainage and protection from the elements keeps these plants on the alpine table happy.
The Viking House and Garden with the Great Palm House in the background. Based on archaeological evidence, the Viking House is an accurate recreation of 9th- and 10th-century houses excavated in Dublin in 1961. The Great Palm House, originally built of wood in 1862, was damaged by a storm and rebuilt in 1883 using iron.
The Cactus and Succulent House (aka the Flowering House) at the west entrance to the Great Palm House features a collection of over 1,000 species of cacti and succulents.
Strolling beyond the Great Palm House, you reach the Rockery, which was installed in the 1880s. This view from the Rockery looks back toward the herbaceous borders.
There’s much more to see at The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, including The Curvilinear Range; The Victoria Waterlily House; an arboretum; beds and borders featuring herbaceous plants, grasses, fruits, and vegetables; a rose garden; a tea room; and a library. It’s definitely worth a stop—and you might even see a leprechaun!
For more information, visit the garden’s website: botanicgardens.ie
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