I love gardens in all their varied personalities. I get passionate about beautiful planting, striking scenery, interesting design.

But a really good garden is one in which you can feel relaxed, even peaceful. A garden which pleases the senses – a visual treat, exuding scent, contrasting textures, the sound of water. A garden which is harmonious but never dull; invites discovery and envelopes you with its atmosphere.

Not a fleeting passion but the genuine article.

For me, this year, Mount Usher Gardens was all of that and makes it  my Garden of 2013.

It has water in abundance, both active

and calm.

It encourages exploration

and rewards it with visual treats

Its herbaceous borders excite

and river walks soothe.

It is Ireland’s “most romantic garden” and a place of  utter tranquillity.

I have been in countless wonderful gardens this year, both private and public, and people who know me well will be surprised I have not named, say …Giverny, Vaux-le-Vicomte, Kirstenbosch, Great Dixter …

If you want to know why it has to be Mount Usher, you can read more about it here.

 (All photography mine; feel free to use any of Jardin’s images but please credit and link back)