Designing with Plants by 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.

Few places capture the spirit of Ireland’s Ancient East quite like Huntington Castle. Hidden among mature trees and beautiful gardens, this remarkable estate has been home to the Esmonde family since 1625 and offers visitors the opportunity to step into over four centuries of living history.

A guided tour of the castle provides a fascinating glimpse into both its storied past and the lives of the family who continue to call it home today. Wander through elegant reception rooms, private family quarters and atmospheric passageways while discovering stories of soldiers, nobles, artists and visionaries who have shaped Huntington’s unique history. Marvel at magnificent Aubusson tapestries, family portraits and antique furnishings before descending into the castle’s famous dungeon, home to the extraordinary Temple of the Goddess. The conservatory also houses a remarkable grapevine, grown from a cutting of the celebrated Great Vine at Hampton Court Palace.

Beyond the castle walls, visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds at their own pace. Keep an eye out for the friendly farm animals that delight younger visitors, or simply take time to soak up the tranquillity of this special place.

A visit to Huntington would not be complete without stopping at the Tea Rooms, where freshly prepared lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments provide the perfect accompaniment to a day of exploration. The charming gift shop offers a carefully curated selection of books, gifts, crafts and local produce, allowing visitors to take home a memento of their visit.

Huntington Castle is one of those rare places that rewards curiosity. Around every corner lies a story waiting to be discovered, making it the perfect place to linger a little longer and experience the wonder, heritage and unexpected delights that make Carlow so special.