“Highgrove” and “My Grove”– A Comparison of two very different gardens – King Charles’ and Bunny Guinness’s
This promises to be an exceptional talk at the historic Borris House, featuring the renowned UK gardener Bunny Guinness, (Youtuber and Podcaster), who makes her first visit to the Carlow Garden Festival to present “Highgrove and ‘My Grove’ – A Comparison of Prince Charles’ and Bunny Guinness’ Garden, two gardens Bunny knows well”. The talk offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of one of Britain’s most distinguished garden and the much loved, but not distinguished garden of the speaker!
Bunny Guinness, the celebrated landscape architect and author, will guide us through the fascinating contrasts and similarities between her own garden and that of Highgrove, the private residence of His Royal Highness King Charles. Highgrove is renowned for its organic principles, vibrant flower meadows, and eclectic design elements, all reflecting the King’s deep commitment to sustainability and the environment. In parallel, Bunny will share the inspirations, challenges and triumphs behind her personal garden, which blends traditional and contemporary elements to create an enchanting space that is also designed to be pretty self sufficient.
This event promises to be a captivating exploration of gardening philosophy, design aesthetics, and the personal touches that make each garden unique, providing lots of valuable insights and inspiration. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s leading garden experts in the stunning setting of Borris House.
Admission: €19.50. The Step House opposite the front entrance gate to Borris House serves a combination of local produce and French flair under the watchful eye of celebrated head chef Alan Foley. Booking on 059-9773209 is recommended. The Store at Borris House sells local crafts, jewellery, ceramics, leather goods and textiles and is located at the front gate entrance. Check the website for precise opening times.
Directions: R95 Y2T1. The front gate entrance to Borris House is located in the centre of Borris Town, immediately opposite the Step House Hotel.
Type of event: Indoor event (ballroom). Ticket includes admission to the Lace Garden. House tours of Borris House will be available before and after Bunny Guinness’ talk at 10 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. Cost €10 each. Meeting point in front of the main house.
About Bunny Guinness
Bunny has been designing gardens and outdoor spaces for over 50 years. She gained an honours degree in horticulture from Reading University and then went on to qualify as a Landscape Architect at the City of Birmingham University where she was awarded a doctorate.
Her main stream work has always been designing, she has won six gold medals from Chelsea Flower Show and worked on a huge range of schemes to parks and gardens in northern Japan, Thyme Hotel at Southrop, A Horatio’s Garden at Oswestry and many private gardens of a huge range of sizes.
Bunny has written for The Telegraph for over 25 years and been a regular panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time for over 26 years. She has written several books including the best seller ‘Family Gardens’ and co-authored with King Charles ‘Highgrove – A Garden Celebrated’. Bunny has her own YouTube channel where she visits gardens she has designed, gives tips on gardening and shows the gardens of many of her podcast guests. Her video on ‘Baseless Pots’ has had almost a million views. Her podcast ‘Bunny in the Garden with…’ is a fusion between Desert Island Discs and Gardeners’ Question Time where she visits guests, that are known for something else other than gardening but are also keen gardeners. Guests include well known rock stars, football players, cooks and authors.
Guided tours of Borris House
Borris House, the ancestral home of the McMorrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, is one of the few Irish estates that can trace its history back to the Royal families of ancient Ireland. Surrounded by 650 acres of lush woodland and gardens, it has a secluded, otherworldly feel that transports visitors
back in time and is the perfect venue for discovery and exploration.
Visitors on the house tour can expect lavish ceilings with ornate plasterwork, original furniture, porcelain and paintings. Discover hidden gems such as the Chapel of St Moling, Laddy Harriet who brought the not-for-profit lace industry to the village and the story of Arthur McMurrough Kavanagh who was a philanthropic landlord, active county magistrate and MP for Carlow/Wexford in the British House of Parliament.
House tours available at 10 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. To book click the BOOK NOW link for tickets for Bunny Guinness’s talk. Meet at front entrance of the main house.
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