PRIVATE GARDENS OF KERRY WITH JIMI BLAKE

Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd May

Join Jimi Blake for a two day guided tour of long established and exciting new gardens in Kerry.

KELLS BAY

Situated just off the picturesque Ring of Kerry route, Kells Bay offers over forty acres of naturalized fern-filled woodland, dating back to 1840’s. The garden is filled with dense groves of tree ferns and tender, acid loving shrubs and trees, including rare species of rhododendron, azaleas, acacias and metasequoias. The recently extended river walk, with its dense overhanging canopy of lofty tree-ferns and its newly created tumbling waterfall, is a wonderful example of this garden’s excellent potential. A guided tour of the gardens will be provided by the owner, Billy Alexander and plants will be for sale on the day.

DHU VARREN

This 2.5 acre garden was started in 2002 from an old farmyard and field. Owners Mark and Laura Collins’ plan was to realize their dream to create a botanical garden that displayed the diversity and beauty of the plant kingdom in a dramatic fashion.  To this end, the benign Kerry climate has been fully exploited to grow plants from all over the world. At present the plant collection includes trees, shrubs, palms, ferns, succulents, cacti, grasses, and Mediterranean and water plants, among many others. A glasshouse and tunnel (soon to be renovated) house more tender specimens. Multiple water features including a koi pond with bridge and a teahouse add interest. The garden will continue to be developed for many years to come. A guided tour will be provided by owner Mark Collins.

BRIAN AND ROSE CROSS’ KERRY GARDEN

Brian and Rose’s new garden is located on the Ring of Kerry, on the edge of the sea near Sneem. This is the first opportunity groups have to visit this garden with its wonderful planting combinations and clever eye for design.

DERREEN GARDENS

Located just west of Kenmare, Derreen Gardens show the passion of an Edwardian grandee for shrubs and trees collected from around the globe. The extensive planting and lush sub-tropical growth promoted by the Gulf Stream combine to make this an unforgettable place. The sight of huge rhododendroms in bloom like vividly coloured clouds that have come to rest on the wild shores around Kilmacillogue Harbour, and thickets of tree ferns in sheltered, green twilight will leave a store of indelible memories. A guided tour will be provided by Jimi Blake. 

Cost €140 – The price includes – Jimi organising and escorting the tour, guided tours of gardens and admission to all gardens and nurseries. All meals, accommodation and transport are to be arranged and paid separately by participants. Jimi will advise on all travel arrangements

Itineraries are subject to change and all tours are subject to a sufficient number of bookings taken to make tours possible.

Further Information:

Recommended accommodation in/ near Killorglin for two nights:

The Bianconi Hotel, Kilorglin

Phone 066 9761146/ www.bianconi.ie
Contact Dan, Rate €90pps for two nights Bed &Breakfast, (book directly) The hotel can also provide a picnic lunch for Sunday.

Carrig Country House

Phone 066 976 9100/ www.carrighouse.com

Grove Lodge

066 976 1157/ www.grovelodge.com

Saturday lunch is being provided in Kells Bay for an additional charge.

Please bring a picnic lunch for Sunday.

BOOKING FORM