Gardens Along The Gulf Stream by John Anderson

  • Date: 28 Jul 2026 -28 Jul 2026
  • Time: 11:00 am
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Step into the inspiring surroundings of Altamont Gardens for a captivating talk by John Anderson, gardener to the King of England, as he shares stories and insights from some of the most remarkable gardens shaped by the influence of the Gulf Stream.

Set within one of Ireland’s finest examples of a Robinsonian garden, this talk feels particularly at home in Altamont. Much like the gardens John will explore, Altamont embraces the naturalistic, informal planting style championed by William Robinson – where plants are allowed to thrive in harmony with their surroundings, creating beauty that feels both curated and wild.

John will take audiences on a journey through the extraordinary gardens he has managed, from the intimate charm of Mount Usher in County Wicklow to the dramatic, sub-tropical oasis of Inverewe in northwest Scotland. He will also delve into the woodland splendour of Exbury, home to the Rothschild rhododendron collection, and share experiences from the renowned Savill and Valley Gardens in Berkshire.

What makes this talk particularly special is the wealth of practical “takeaways” John weaves throughout. Expect plenty of those much-loved nuggets of wisdom – from clever planting combinations and how to work with your local microclimate, to tips on achieving year-round interest and managing large or small spaces with confidence.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most respected figures in horticulture, in a setting that perfectly reflects the themes of his work – natural beauty, thoughtful design, and the joy of gardening.

  • About John Anderson

    Occupation:         Keeper of the Gardens, Windsor Great Park, England

    Responsible for a number of important Historic Garden Landscapes in Windsor Great Park (Savill, Valley & Frogmore Gardens) & several other Royal Gardens .  Lead Team Member in the Landscaping and Renovations of the Treescape within the Great Park & Home Park Private. Working withing the wider teams to deliver better understanding of sustainability in horticulture.

    Responsible: 10 National Collections, 390 TROBI – Champion Trees & 19500 Taxa & 32,000+ plant acc.

    A member of the Royal Horticultural Society –Woody Expert Group; A member of the National Arboreta Advisory Committee (Westonbirt & Bedgebury) ; Garden Design Review Panellist for the Queen Elizabeth II Garden at The Regent’s Park, London. Life Member of the IDS.

    Trustee of the National Oak Collection Chevithorne- Barton, England.  Trustee of TROBI (Tree Register of Britain & Ireland). Trustee of the Royal Windsor Flower Show.

    Lectures on a wide range of horticultural subjects : (selection) 2025 -Windsor – A snapshot of the Royal Gardens, National Plant Collections & TROBI  Tree Champions.  2024 -“A Window into a World of Plants” (Alpines to Trees);. Northern Ireland Heritage Garden Trust – Mount Usher’s Robinsonian Wild Garden;  Plants & Landscapes of N.E. India 2023; International Dendrology Society  – Magnolia’s at Windsor.

    Workshops 2025 : IDS Trees for the Future at Windsor Great Park with Prof Mick Crawley, Imperial College London.

    Travels to see plants in the Wild: –  China; NE India; Australia; New Zealand; S. Africa; N. America;  Chile; Europe.

  • Explore Altamont Gardens

    Altamont Gardens, nestled on the banks of the majestic River Slaney, have a unique charm. Developed by Corona North over decades, these gardens have evolved into one of Ireland’s most cherished horticultural treasures.

    Altamont Gardens, located on the banks of the majestic River Slaney is a very unique place. Between the years after World War II and her death in 1999, Corona North, developed this garden attached to her old country house, building on previous work carried out by her father. She collected and planted, developed and expanded the gardens, making them one of the most loved gardening attractions in Ireland. When Corona North died, the gardens were left to the State at her request. Ongoing restoration and maintenance continues under the stewardship of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

  • Treat Yourself at Sugar & Spice Café

    Speciality teas and coffees, sandwiches and salads are available in Sugar and Spice Café on the grounds of Altamont Plant Sales in Altamont Gardens.

    This café provides comfort and refreshment in the beautiful setting of the walled Garden in Altamont, offering delightful home baked cakes and scones with freshly brewed tea and coffee. Light snacks including sandwiches and salads in the summer months. Open end of January to October daily 10.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. and weekends, weather permitting in November and December.

Venue: Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co Carlow, R93 N882

Date: 28 July 2026

Start Date: 28 July 2026

Start Time: 11:00 am

End Date: 28 July 2026

End Time: 11:00 am

Time: 11:00 am

Admission: €15

Directions: From Dublin/Waterford exit the M9 at junction 5 for N80 Rosslare. Continue along the N80 through the village of Ballon and the N80/N81 junction. Turn left at the next crossroad junction signed Altamont Gardens, From Carlow Town follow the N80 through Ballon and continue as above.

Type of event: The talk takes place in an indoor marquee on the grounds of Altamont Plant Sales with the opportunity to view Altamont Gardens and the Corona North Commemorative Border within the grounds of Altamont Plant Sales, either before or after the talk.