For smaller worlds
Unfortunately, those of us who work with small and tight spaces will not be able to enjoy some of the larger -species typical in the aforementioned gardens.
Those with small plots should therefore pay a visit to the Terra Nova gardens at Kilmallock, Co Limerick. If ever a garden could be called an Aladdin's cave it would be this one (albeit a small one). It is only 10 years old and was originally described by its owners as being a "waterlogged half acre of clay". It is far from that now, however, and these days Terra Nova has a very special mixture of smaller plants with a definite lean towards the more exotic.
Deborah Begley has grown the majority of the plants from seeds and cuttings, so you can also learn about economy during your visit.
She has a keen interest in the strange and curious wonders of nature, and many of the plants she grows fall into the category of "bizarre".
The planting has been done using a flower-arranger's eye, and interesting combinations of smaller plants which you would never think of are visible throughout.
Unlike many public gardens, there are also plenty of places available for sitting down and taking notes. There is also a small water garden that attracts wildlife and a woodland area for plants that enjoy shade. Terra Nova, 063 90744