Irish Gardens [Hardcover]

Olda Fitzgerald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2005

An evocative portrait of Ireland's most beautiful and atmospheric gardens, featuring 220 color photos, paintings, and garden plans.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Not called the Emerald Isle for nothing, this is a visual feast of the fabulous gardens to be found in this diverse country. Town gardens, rural retreats, farms and castles. Allees and avenues, potagers and parterres. Herbaceous borders and hewn-from-nature landscapes, the plethora of styles reflect the island's history. In the protection of the Gulf Stream and with abundant rain, tropical usurpers grow, blending effortlessly into the existing landscape. Tree ferns, palms, melianthus and more happily thrive alongside native species giving unexpected treats at every turn. Photographed by Stephen Robson, whose obvious love of his subject is reflected in his pictures, the rustic hues and natural beauty are shown to their best advantage. Olda Fitzgerald, personal friend of many of the garden owners and, indeed, inhabitant and gardener of Glin Castle since the 1970s, gives a tantalising glimpse into the history and design of these luscious oasis', adding an insight into their origins and cultivation. Anyone planning a garden holiday in Ireland will be inspired by this collection of largely unseen private gardens and it should spur into action any other gardeners to visit the Emerald Isle and view for themselves its hidden horticultural jewels. - Lucy Watson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description

The gardens of Ireland are famed for their great beauty, variety, and distinctive character. Fine rain, soft sunshine, the warmth of the Gulf Stream, and the dramatic setting of rivers and mountains combine to create the perfect conditions for the creation of magical gardens of breathtaking diversity. This book celebrates twenty of the best Irish gardens, telling their fascinating stories, revealing their secrets, and evoking the special atmosphere of each. The range from historical gardens to lush vegetable gardens to wild, romantic paradises.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Line Books (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577173376
• ISBN-13: 978-1577173373
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,378,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost like being there, September 22, 2000

By 

D. Brown (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Irish Gardens (Country Living Gardener) (Hardcover)

We had the good fortune to first see Fitzgerald's book while staying at Glin Castle along the River Shannon (Olda Fitzgerald's residence). This garden is one of many spectacular pieces featured. Walking through the actual garden was a walk through a bit of heaven. The photos in the book will serve as a beautiful reminder of what all that rain in Ireland can do to a piece of well cared for earth.

Gardens of Ireland depicts the lush beauty of other places that will take priority on my "must see" list if I'm lucky enough to return to Ireland. Enjoy!