Journal teaser….Mary Hackett

Peter Milligan is getting articles together for the Autumn Journal. The Partner Garden we’re featuring this time is Elizabeth Temple’s lovely garden in Salthill, just outside Donegal Town. Some of you will recognise the Temple surname from its long association with Magee tweed.

Donegal is always full of surprises. The Temple Garden at Salthill was a revelation. The house was built about 1810 as the agent’s house for the Conyngham estate. Elizabeth’s garden within its high stone walls was the kitchen garden for the big house. Starting with a blank canvas forty years ago, she has created a quiet and sheltering space where her artistic sense and her Quaker roots are both very evident.

I hope you enjoy the Journal piece. Even more, I hope that by next June (or soon after) you’ll make your way to Donegal to see the two splendid gardens I was lucky enough to visit at their very best this year – Salthill and Cluain na dTor. I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.