Step into a world of creativity at Arboretum’s Inspirational Gardens
Sitting on the grounds of Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, the Inspirational Gardens were created to ignite visitors’ imagination and passion for gardening.
A visit to the Arboretum Inspirational Gardens at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge is a treat for the amateur and the enthusiast alike. The gardens showcase a variety of planting schemes and garden designs, all of which deliver a wow factor and yet are low maintenance.
Arboretum Inspirational Gardens
A Palette of Colours
These gardens were designed to make the most of the positive effects of colour on wellbeing – vibrant colour schemes have been crafted here to uplift and inspire. From vibrant reds to soothing yellows, each colour scheme is designed to evoke emotions of contentment and create a serene, tranquil ambience.
As you stroll around, a number of seating areas provide the perfect respite from the busyness of everyday life and the opportunity to rest and relax. Gardening for mindfulness is very relevant today and there is a very real sense of its benefits as you stroll through the Inspirational Gardens, taking in all the colours and fragrances on display.
Seasonal Delights
Experience the ever-changing beauty of nature as you stroll through the gardens. From the enchanting snowdrop display in February to the vibrant summer blooms and the rich autumnal hues, each season brings new delights to behold.
Rachel Doyle, who created the gardens back in 2010 likes to say that the significant collection of snowdrops wake up the gardens each February as they are the first to flower every year. There are a few thousand snowdrop bulbs in the gardens made up of Galanthus “Flore Peno”, which produces dainty fragrant double-white flowers, and the pure white Galathus “Mount Everest”, a large, strong variety perfect for naturalising.
In the shop visitors will find an array of potted snowdrops including “Mount Everest” and the common snowdrop “Nivalis”. Thereafter, something different graces the gardens each month – in Summer a stunning array of colourful plants, shrubs and fruit trees warrant a visit while in Autumn, beautiful colours burst from every corner of the garden. During winter, the illuminated winter gardens form part of the wonderful experience that is Christmas in the Arboretum.
Family Fun
This is a really terrific location for families who, together, can enjoy exploring the African mud hut and spotting the friendly koi who reside in the Arboretum pond. There is an excellent children’s playground and a maze adjacent to the Inspirational Gardens. Rachel’s Garden Café has a terrace area located beside the playground so that while the children play, their parents can enjoy delicious home-cooked food and take a well-earned break in sight of their little ones.
Rachel’s Garden Café
The award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café at Arboretum is a self- and assisted-service restaurant which champions Irish and locally sourced produce; a particular favourite is the beef braised in O’Hara’s Stout which is brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company only 5 km down the road.
Enjoy breakfast (including ‘the full Irish’) from 9 a.m. and lunch including soups (gluten free), salads, daily specials and a roast of the day from 12 noon. The tempting desserts are all made on the premises and special dietary needs are catered for with gluten-, sugar- or dairy-free options. The little ones are kept happy with a children’s menu, indoor and outdoor play areas and a fun maze. Tempting afternoon tea options are available, bookable in advance. Pre-booked groups and tours are welcome.
Facilities
- Large on-site car and coach park
- Wheelchair-accessible
- Restaurant with wine license
- Indoor and outdoor children’s play area
- Fun maze
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets
- Free Wi-Fi
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Opening Times
Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and
Bank Holidays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
DIRECTIONS:
From Dublin / Waterford take exit 6 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Leighlinbridge. Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven is 3 km from exit 6 just off the R448 at Leighlinbridge. Visitors travelling from Carlow town should follow the R448.
