Two new Partner Gardens!!

Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens and Montalto Estate

Great news! The RHSI Partner Gardens Scheme portfolio has just expanded to 63 members with the inclusion of two more really superb gardens at either end of the country. With both remaining open throughout the year, there is no shortage of visiting time even as the end of summer approaches!

The first, Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore Co Waterford was the subject of an RHSI Zoom presentation by designer Laura Cassin earlier this year. With heartfelt endorsements from both the Japanese community in Ireland and the grandson of Lafcadio Hearn to whom the garden is dedicated, this is a garden of huge appeal both horticulturally and culturally. Set within the seaside town of Tramore, the fascinating 2.5 acre oasis of beauty, peace and tranquillity already receives 40,000 visitors a year. Lafcadio Hearn, was a 19th century Irish/Greek writer known as Koizumi Yakumo in Japan and is renowned there for his wonderful stories based on the myths and legends and customs of his adopted country. These gardens visually tell the story of his life and works.
Divided into a series of 11 gardens, the design and planting is authentically Japanese. There is much use of native Japanese plants along with stone, water and wood, and beautifully designed wooden garden structures are incorporated into the garden in a very natural manner. The gardens being open year-round have something new to offer the visitor every season. So, let a wonderful horticultural visit also open the door to your discovery of the life and works of a truly fascinating member of the Irish literary diaspora!

For full information, visiting times etc please check the Partner Gardens section of the RHSI website.
Link: https://rhsi.ie/partner/lafcadio-hearn-japanese-gardens/

Our second new Partner Garden, Montalto Estate, dating back to the late 1700s, is for us a newly discovered jewel joining our other great Partner Gardens in Co Down. Most surprisingly, this 400 acre privately owned estate is relatively unknown down south and we are really enthused and delighted to spread the word for them. It is superbly maintained, with excellent trails and walks to explore, and stunningly restored stone buildings housing an excellent cafe and shop. Whilst the Wilson family have owned the estate since 1994, it is only open to the public since 2018. Over the past 3 decades they have undertaken a steady restoration and more specifically in recent years. Over 30,000 trees have been planted, woodland areas cleared of ponticum rhododendron, various follies rejuvenated, old paths uncovered, and new ones made, an orchard and wild meadow planted. The scale is enormous with fabulous vistas and a backdrop of spectacular trees, many over 200 years old.
A whole day could easily be spent wandering and exploring the well designated areas. A beautiful formal garden adjoins the very imposing Montalto House whilst various circuits will bring you on a lake or a woodland walk, or to a cliff-like alpine garden, an orchard and a fruit garden or….to the beautiful restored Lost Garden just opened in 2023. The grounds are punctuated with little points of interest such as the witch’s hut, the boathouse on the lake, a summerhouse high up with wonderful views down over Montalto House. So much to see and enjoy!
After visiting Montalto Estate why not stay locally for a few days and visit other RHSI Partner Gardens such as Seaforde (13mins), Rowallane (20mins) or Hillsborough (25 mins)!

For full information, visiting times etc please check the Partner Gardens section of the RHSI website.
Link: https://rhsi.ie/partner/montalto-estate/