topic Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS in Home

IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

Oznell — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:37:16 GMT

As spring progresses, the spectator sport of looking at famous gardens (and often their buildings, too) increases in excitement. These two gardens each have their own unique appeal.

Rowallane, near Saintfield, Northern Ireland.

In scenic County Down, started by the Reverend John Robert Moore at his house in the nineteenth century. Rowallane means "beautiful clearing".

This pointed cairn of stones is mysterious.... Cairns are found all over the British Isles...

The walled garden has gooseneck loosestrife, lacecap hydrangea, day lilies and viburnum crowding the winding pathways...

The herb and vegetable garden...

Love this vista of the structured boxwood, leading up to the slightly untamed magnolia...

The way that the antique stone and brick buildings interact with the garden is charming. The purple parachute-shaped flowers are rhodochiton.

From a traditional garden, to a more "organic" one, in Holland. It was started by noted gardener Piet Oudolf, at his home in the village of Hummelo.

Piet and his wife, Anja

It's interesting to see a Dutch garden that isn't tulip-centered, ha. (Not that I don't adore tulips!) Piet Oudolf has always been attracted to meadow flowers, and natural plantings. Apparently, when he first started, it was hard in Europe to get ahold of the type of botanicals he wanted.

Mexican feather grass.

Mountain fleece.

Japanese anemone.

Love the way the wild grasses and flowers interplay with the strict lines of his architect-designed stone studio!

But there are also more disciplined features, like this interesting circle of maiden-grass in its own roundabout with a path.

And this remarkable "topiary" tunnel... I bet it's very dark and quiet in there-- peaceful.

But the wildness will out!

Some of these are like Impressionist paintings.

I've always loved both formal gardens, and wild ones, so both Rowallane and Hummelo appeal to me. They're so calming yet refreshing. A fun source for interesting gardens is "Flower", the online magazine, and a bonus is, they have a dual mission-- they showcase both gardens and houses.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

DREAMON — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 13:57:27 GMT

Just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

DSD2 — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:08:19 GMT

Oznell, one picture is more beautiful than the next.

The vivid colors are striking and the settings seem so idyllic and tranquil. Those stones are fascinating.

If I only had that boxwood tree in my yard. Just lovely.

I have to say my vegetable garden bears no resemblance to what I see here.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

lil spot — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:14:26 GMT

@Oznell

Love it all.

Oh just to sit there and drink it in.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

Bookplate — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:46:07 GMT

I feel like I just had a five minute vacation; thank you!

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

kindred cats — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:54:18 GMT

Are you kidding me??? Makes me want to move to those places!

Love love love....thank you for the photos.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

wilma — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:09:20 GMT

Lovely pictures! I would love to have a large beautiful garden. It would be very relaxing to stroll and sit in a garden, but my allergies would make me miserable, and I couldn't handle the upkeep. I prefer the more structured and formal Irish garden.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

781Florist — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:20:48 GMT

In all my years as a florist I have never seen Japanese anemone. I am in love.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

Lilysmom1 — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:25:41 GMT

@Oznell , delightful! Thank you for posting. LM

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

Oznell — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:38:44 GMT

@Bookplate and @kindred cats , I know just what you mean about how viewing gardens like that gives you the feeling of 'vacation', and even wanting to move right there, to be in the middle of it! Places like that are intoxicating.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

JudyL — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:40:31 GMT

Ahhh to sit in either of those gardens with a cup or two of tea and just be quiet and listen to all the sounds.....so peaceful.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

alliswell — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 16:13:05 GMT

Thank you for the beautiful photographs, @Oznell.

I only wish the architect's studio didn't look so "modern," sitting in the midst of such natural beauty.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

shoptilyadropagain — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 18:21:58 GMT

I'll be the odd man out (and I usually am anyway...LOL). I prefer a yard, flower bed, etc. to be manicured and more structured. While most of these flowers, individually, are really pretty, a lot of these pictures just look like an overgrown hodge podge mess. That's just my OCD going into overdrive.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

Marsha2003 — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:20:12 GMT

Lovely, @Oznell . Thank you for taking the time to share the pictures.

Re: IRISH AND DUTCH GARDENS

nrm — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 06:27:40 GMT

@Oznell Magnificent! Thanks for posting.