The Mill Gardens

Address:
Borris
Co. Carlow

Contact: Bríd Ui Laoghaire

Tel: + 353 (0) 59 9773132
Fax: + 353 (0) 59 9773132
E-Mail: blaoghaire5@eircom.net

FACILITIES:

Not all areas are wheel chair accessible. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

HOW TO FIND US:

In the village of Borris past the Bank of Ireland building, on the left hand side approaching bend.

OPENING TIMES: By appointment.

ADMISSION CHARGES: Adults €5.00. All proceeds to Self Help, Hacketstown

The Gardens fall easily into several well defined areas.

FRONT: Mill Gardens were originally laid out in the 1880's in Victorian format. The layout has been largely retained, with all plants dating back to that time. Three huge evergreens dominate the front garden, two Thuja plicata and a Chameocyparis pisifera. All three have been underplanted with shrubs and bulbs. The colour scheme remains muted, green and variegated all year round, spring colour provided by daffodils, and summer colour provided by pale blue campanulas in two massed plantings in front beds. High granite walls, covered in cotaneaster, and original rockeries, provide the boundaries. A large Laurus Nobilis incorporates a garden seat.

LOWER ORCHARD: Old apple trees have been underplanted with various shrubs, covered in Roses, Loniceras, and Humulus aureus. A long bog garden stretches the length of the street wall, with rodGersias, astilbes, haouttuynias, gunneras, etc. A relatively new herbaccous border has been planted up along the opposite side of the orchard, and is maturing nicely.

SIDE ORCHARD: The Zen garden, between naturally occurring rock outcrops has been planted up with a variety of herbs, all doing nicely. Golden river sand surrounds the rocks, and old apple trees are now covered in Parthenocissus cinquefolia and Rosa Dorothy Perkins. One small area centred on a garden seat, has been kept strictly symmetrical, with ogon grasses and a clipped hedge, maintaining all year round colour. The River walk is stepped and sloped, edged with granite or timber steps, and planted with trees and shrubs in many varieties.

ISLAND: This area has been reclaimed and planted up with a large variety of largely native trees, all of which are thriving. Planting started in 2002, and new footpaths meander between the river and the mill stream. All slopes are covered in ivies, wineberry and epimediums. Ruins of an old mill and mill wheel are integrated into the gardens. Victorian Fernery is now largely restored, between the two railway bridges. The final area, beyond second bridge is currently being reclaimed for more tree planting.

See Map of Area