Ireland’s Spectacular Powerscourt Gardens

Powerscourt Estate’s thousand acres of garden is considered one of the finest in

all of Europe and is just 12 miles south of Dublin, so if you love gardens and get a

chance to visit Dublin, try to save half a day for a visit. The 18th century manor

house was gutted with fire in 1974 and has never been fully restored, so we didn’t

take time to tour the home. The gardens were designed by the famous landscape

architect, Daniel Robertson, who personally oversaw their layout between 1745-

1767 (that’s over twenty years)! He had gout in his older age, and the story is told

that he was pushed about in a wheel barrow to oversee his marvelous creation!

As I write today, it’s a blistering 100° July day in Michigan, and my gardens are

languishing in the drought-like conditions. If you’re also feeling wilted in your

part of the world, I hope this refreshes you (and I’d love to hear where you live

and what your weather is like when you read this, because I’ve noticed that I get

visitors from every continent around the world (except Antarctica)!

Although the Japanese Gardens filled with gorgeous azaleas and rhododendrons

was one of my favorite areas, there were no end of fascinating specimen plants

and enticing, flower-strewn byways to explore. One of the most alluring paths led

through a moss-covered, petrified rock grotto overhung by ferns and glistening

with sunlit water streaming down the walls. The ancient rockery adorned by

lush foliage and stunning accent plants really made me feel like we’d come upon a fairyland for Irish elves and leprechauns…romance incarnate! I wished Alan

might have been close enough to propose all over again, but sadly, he had

meandered on ahead by himself (remember this tendency for future tales).

The gardens are also interspersed with pools and decorated in statuary

inspired by Greek & Italian art. One unique touch was a cemetery dedicated to

all of the owners’ beloved, deceased pets! Hard to imagine, but to each his own!

Another especially beautiful touch was all the wrought-iron gates embellished

with designs in gold leaf. I couldn’t help but think of the gates around the garden of Eden…what did they look like? I’m guessing that this world, burned out like

Powerscourt—although still beautiful—will someday be restored to its original

paridisal  glory, and when it is, I want to walk through the gardens with the Master Designer and hear all about how He did it!