Donaghmore, Co. Laois. Open by appointment only – Mob: +353 (0) 86 285 8067
Colourful and intriguing gardens with Woodland and Herbaceous planting. Designed and begun in 2009 by Hazel Luskin Glennon challenged by her husband, the late Brendan Glennon to design a garden of 0.6 of an acre with no lawns for him to mow, she has turned a Turnip field into a lovely garden.
Wandering paths bring the visitor through varying spaces including a Zen Garden, a stream, ponds and a Tropical garden.
To the front of the house the main emphasis is on Native trees and shrubs with a Hazel Grove, and several Oaks and Ash trees now maturing nicely. A Buddha Garden adds interest to this part of the gardens. In Springtime this whole area is a mass of colour from Spring bulbs and Helebores. The Willow Arbour is just one of the living willow structures in the gardens.
Entering the gardens to the rear of the house the choice of paths lead the visitor to the separate areas of interest. This part of the gardens is sheltered from the wind on the west by an impressive Shelter Belt of native trees and shrubs providing habitat for many varieties of birds. Hazel has identified 27 different types of bird visiting her garden at different times!
Gortnalee Gardens is a labour of love and a fitting tribute to Brendan who was the inspiration for it.