“Irish Gardens”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
About this time of the year, when there is cold or rainy weather outside and gardening is next to impossible, I start gardening vicariously. I do this by reading and looking at the photographs in some of my favorite books. A book that doesn’t require reading to enjoy is Irish Gardens by Olga Fitzgerald with spectacular photography by Stephen Robson. It is one of the Country Living Gardener books of which there is a series. While the text is very interesting and informative, just gazing at the lovely pictures is a very pleasant way to pass an afternoon or evening.
The gardens of Ireland are famous for their beauty and distinctive character, and this book shows this quite well. The warmth of the Gulf Stream, soft rain, and sunshine combine to make the creation of magical gardens in Ireland. This book contains twenty of Ireland’s best gardens. The photographs, drawings, and paintings show off these gardens in the best way, and demonstrates why Ireland deserves its reputation as “The Garden of Europe.” Many of the gardens are newly planted or newly restored, and while many are great estates, the photos often show small vignettes which can inspire gardeners who live in more modest circumstances.
As a lover of all things Irish, perusing this book, always in the middle of winter, is one way that I cope with weather that keeps me indoors and away from my garden. It enables me to dream of improving my garden when better weather arrives. Everyone should have a garden book that does that.
Always Growing 
nancybond said,
January 14, 2009 at 9:42 pm
My daughter (Mommy of my grandson) spent a little over two years in Ireland (Dublin) and fell in love with the beautiful countryside. She’s been back several times to visit friends and one day (when I win the lottery) we’re going back together. She has some wonderful photos of public gardens and such that she frequented while she was there. This looks like a beautiful book.
Jan(ThanksFor2Day) said,
January 14, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I enjoyed your post very much, Jan. The lovely Irish gardens would be a joy to view on a rainy or dreery day! It’s nice that you’ve suggested a book that we can possibly get and enjoy too! Next, we’ll all have to have a garden blogger get-together in Ireland:)
Chandramouli.S said,
January 15, 2009 at 12:20 am
What a great book to spend your time indoors! We don’t get many of garden/plant books here :(. Such a tragedy! Brrrrr….
Brenda Kula said,
January 15, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m gonna wear my poor gardening books out if spring doesn’t hurry up and get here! Thus my scoping out the magazine racks at the store for gardening mags!
Brenda
Jan said,
January 16, 2009 at 5:25 am
Nancy, I sure hope that one day I will get to visit Ireland and its gardens. Your daughter was so fortunate to be able to stay there for two years.
Jan, I think looking at beautiful pictures of gardens is the next best thing when you are stuck in the house when bad weather strikes. A get-together in Ireland sounds wonderful.
Chandramouli, what a shame there are not that many garden books where you are. I don’t know how I would get through non-gardening days without my books.
Brenda, I received a book store gift card for Christmas and can’t wait to use it for more garden books, so I know what you mean about searching anywhere for garden books and magazines.