We amble down the meandering drive, surrounded by mature trees and meadowlands, curious cows observing our passing, a couple of the house dogs trot out aimiably to inspect us, the birdsong is intense… the charm of Country House visiting in Ireland.
We enter the courtyard to pay our fee and it is immediately clear that this is no ordinary garden visit – the hand and eye of an artist is at work, small tableaux abound.
This is Burtown House and Gardens, the home of the late Wendy Walsh, one of Ireland’s best botanical artists, her daughter Lesley Fennell, an artist, and her son James Fennell, a highly regarded photographer; a family home, still in the hands of the family that built it in the early 18th century.
The wonderful herbaceous borders lie at the rear of the house, orchestrated yet exuberant in colour – poppies, nepeta, peonies, geraniums, a feast for the eyes and the dozens of bees.
The current gardens were first laid out by Isabel Shackleton, cousin of the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, but have been greatly enhanced over recent decades by Lesley Fennell and her son James, creating woodland walks, meadows and flower gardens.
The bow-fronted rear of the house was added in the late 18th century, and a tall arched staircase window affords lovely views of the garden beyond…
…one’ s eye drawn through the garden to the meadowland beyond by the “Viewfinder” sculpture by Eileen MacDonagh.
There is much to delight the keen gardener, with all the plant components expected in a country garden – Lupins, Martagon lilies, Digitalis, Papaver ‘Patty’sPlum’, Cirsium rivulare, peonies and roses.
Across the lawn, admiring the planting in the lawn beds, intriguing glimpses of the house can be seen through the canopy of trees, sweetly scented Philadelphus and tall foxgloves.
On through the Yew Garden, the sentries marching across the lawn to a rustic pergola …
… dripping with wisteria and roses.
It is so beautiful, the air heavy with scent, that it is hard to drag oneself away from the hazy froth of white flowers and the bee encrusted roses.
But there is much yet to discover, the Sundial Garden, the Orchard and the lovely Wendy’s Garden, a charming blue and yellow scheme when we visited in June, encircling the Artist’s Studio, jamjars of brushes lined up along the windowledges.
The walled kitchen garden is large and productive and has been in existence for the last 150 years. Gooseberries, artichokes, herbs and salad greens abound, all destined for the House and the Gallery Cafe for visitors.
James Fennell and his assistant were picking asparagus when we arrived.
There are meadows with mown paths leading one on to giant intriguing sculpture.
But, for me, the delight of finding the Stream Garden beyond the Studio was a highlight.
The texture and structure of the planting so considered, that miniature pictures are created along the water’s edge.
This is a garden that rewards exploration; I visited with Eadaoin, whose lovely photography blog is ‘City of Blackbirds,’ and there was much to beguile us both.
It is clearly the garden of an artist, or generations of artists; colour, form and texture, the elements of art, are present throughout the garden.
If you visit Burtown House, take your time, soak up the tranquil atmosphere, the artistry of this very special place.
The munching cow in your first image seems to say, “Hey, you lookin’ at meeeeee?”
And yes, this garden is definitely the result of an artistic eye (generations of artists, as you mention). Your photos made me feel as if I was part of the experience.
LikeLike
Thanks Cindi! Yes, the cow looks almost indignant!
A beautiful artistic garden – glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
A beautiful garden. I like the incorporation of potted plants.
LikeLike
Thank you, it is a lovely garden.
I agree, potted plants give life to what might be a dull corner and can be moved about when they’re past their best.
LikeLike
“Garden gem” indeed, just lovely… ❤
LikeLike
Yes, Julie … I fell in love with this one!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Rhymes with Linnaeus and commented:
Spring and fall are natural high points of colour and interest in Southern Ontario backyards but this Irish garden, beautifully photographed by a Dublin-based pro garden designer proves that mid-summer can be equally spectacular. I think I’ll have to get a pergola.
LikeLike
Many thanks Crys, I hope your readers enjoy it.
LikeLike
I’m sure they will. Your writing and photography is captivating. Thank you!
LikeLike
This garden is wonderful and all the composition( house, flowers… ) is lovely 🙂
LikeLike
You’re right Christiane, the composition throughout the garden is lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you for this wonderful post!
LikeLike
A pleasure and I’m very glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Your posts are always so beautiful. do you take all the photos yourself? They have a lovely quality.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Cynthia. Yes I do take all the photos myself, I’m glad you feel they convey what I’m feeling in special gardens.
LikeLike
I would love to visit,cows welcoming me down the country road. These gardens are wonderful with all the plants I would wish to have. The iris are stunning. Beautiful architecture too. So glad you posted this.
LikeLike
Thanks so much. A very atmospheric garden, full of interest; glad the post conveyed that.
LikeLike
An absolutely gorgeous place. 🙂
LikeLike
It really is and I’m so glad I could convey that. Thank you!
LikeLike
Pingback: The Sculpture at Burtown House | Jardin
Pingback: Burtown House ~ Co. Kildare | City of Blackbirds
Pingback: Five favourite gardens near Dublin. | Jardin