Step into the enchanting world of Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens for a talk with bestselling author and UK gardening expert, Arthur Parkinson. Renowned for his book, “The Flower Yard,” Arthur brings a treasure trove of ideas and inspirations for gardening enthusiasts of all skill levels. Discover seasonal planting ideas and recommended varieties to spark creativity and create the perfect flower border.
Described by Sarah Raven, whom he regularly works for, as “intensely creative” and heralded as one of the most influential new voices in UK gardening, this talk focuses on Arthur’s wealth of knowledge and flair as he shares his expertise on creating vibrant and ever-changing outdoor spaces. His insights from the creation of Emma Bridgewater’s raised bed garden at her pottery in Stroke-on-Trent will also form part of the talk.
Arthur unveils the secrets to curating a flower garden that thrives through the seasons, sharing his top plant varieties and innovative planting techniques designed to maximise beauty in your own outdoor space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to elevate your gardening space or a novice, eager to learn more about flower gardening, this talk promises a wealth of knowledge to spark your creativity.
Directions: R93 RF80. From Dublin/Waterford take Exit 4 off the M9 motorway. Follow signs for Castledermot, then take the R418 Castledermot – Tullow Road for 6km and turn right at the signed junction. From Carlow Town take the R726 Hacketstown Road for 10km to Killerig Cross. Turn left at this junction onto the R418 for 2.5km, turn left again at the signed junction.
Type of event: This talk takes place in an indoor marquee. Afterwards there is an opportunity to view the Walled Gardens in Duckett’s Grove. For details on lunch and snack options, guided tours of Duckett’s Grove and craft makers please scroll further.
About Arthur Parkinson
Arthur Parkinson trained at Kew Gardens and after graduating went to work for Sarah Raven at her farm in East Sussex to pursue his passion for growing cut flowers. He later became gardener for the potter, Emma Bridgewater, at her factory in Stoke-on-Trent. The garden he designed there, featuring his beloved chickens, received great acclaim and became the focus for his first book, The Pottery Gardener. In spring 2018, Arthur was named as one of the UK’s young gardening stars by Architectural Digest. Arthur writes for The Telegraph, taking his own photographs of flowers and poultry, and has appeared on BBC 2’s Gardeners’ World. He lives in Nottinghamshire but he still travels regularly to Sussex where he assists Sarah Raven with her floristry.
‘He is an intensely creative person and has a genius for making a flower border feel as rich and intense and integrated as any arrangement in a vase. It’s an exceptionally difficult skill, which is a product of great instinctive understanding, with a lot of hard work and knowledge of how plants behave.’
Sarah Raven, Country File 2020
Free guided tours of Duckett’s Grove
Free guided tours of Duckett’s Grove are available at 12.30 p.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on Sunday, 28th July 2024. Meet at the visitor reception point in the main courtyard opposite the Lazy River Cafe.
Discover the home and gardens of the Duckett family, by taking a guided tour of the ruins, walled gardens and pleasure grounds. Led by Daniel Mc Daid, a guided tour here is a captivating and educational experience. Daniel’s passion and in-depth knowledge brings the history of Duckett’s Grove alive, making it an enthralling experience for visitors of all ages. His ability to convey the essence of the Duckett family legacy is captivating. Book your tour at https://duckettsgrove.digitickets.co.uk/tickets
You can also pick up a free audio guide at the reception point within the courtyard to hear the stories and meet some of the characters who lived and worked here for 250 years before the disastrous fire of 1933 destroyed Duckett’s Grove. Hear from William Duckett, his wife Maria, her daughter Olive O’Grady, as well as Mr Mitchell the steward and Mr O’Brien the head gardener, and discover what life was like for the gentry and those they employed to work at Duckett’s Grove. Available in English, Irish, French, German, Spanish and Italian.
The Lazy River Cafe at Duckett’s Grove
Enjoy gorgeous food in one of the original outbuildings within the Duckett’s Grove courtyard. The Lazy River Café specialises in delicious and reasonably priced cuisine. Traditional baking includes home-made muffins, desserts, breakfasts, wraps and dinners served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Try some of their homemade breads, scones, tarts and cakes. Tables are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Unique Handcrafted Candles
In the courtyard of Duckett’s Grove is Nic Angels Candles who individually hand – craft marble, fragrance-free, Irish-made dinner candles creating unique patterns on each. They also hand paint glass candle holders to accompany their candles. Their attractive craft unit at Duckett’s Grove features a selection of gift ideas from other crafters. Bespoke service also available.
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Carlow Tourism and Carlow Tourist Office, College Street, Carlow
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