Step into horticultural heaven in this celebrated gardening retreat
Patthana Garden is an award-winning village garden and is home to the artist TJ Maher and Simon Kirby on the Carlow/Wicklow border in the picturesque village of Kiltegan.
The garden has featured on BBC’s Gardeners’ World, RTE’s Nationwide and in many Irish and UK magazine publications including, Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden, House & Garden, Homes and Gardens, Modern Garden and Irish Country Magazine. TJ’s first book “Grounded in the Garden – An Artist’s Guide to Creating a Beautiful Garden in Harmony with Nature’ was published in March 2024.
Patthana Gardens
Granite Courtyards and Wildlife
The garden comprises of a lower cobbled courtyard with its potting shed and a sunken meditation room leading to the main courtyard with a small wildlife pond. Granite steps lead to the Inner Garden. These areas house an extensive collection of plants – hardy, tender, exotic and rare.
Immerse yourself in nature within the captivating Torc garden
In 2020, the garden was expanded following the purchase of adjoining land and a new exciting garden called the ‘Torc’ garden was created and opened to the public in 2021. The new garden is designed to take advantage of the view of the nearby church and landscape and consists of large borders with wraparound pathways that lead the viewer on a journey of colour and exciting plant combinations.
The Torc itself is a mound of sculpted earth laid out in the shape of a torc which is a Celtic neck ornament, open at one end. Once inside the Torc shape the visitor is immersed in an experience of plants and insects, scent and colour, wrapping around the visitor like a hug. It is an area designed to connect to nature and self. Like the existing Inner Garden, the Torc garden was created with a respect for nature and the spirit of the land itself. Behind the Torc lies a meadow of native and non-native plants.
Patthana Garden is a celebration of the natural world, described by Clare Foster in House & Garden magazine as ‘A garden that will take your breath away.’
Facilities
- On-street car and coach park available
- Coffee/tea and homemade cakes on open days and by arrangement for groups on other days.
- Selection of plants, antique and vintage tableware for sale.
- Garden courses, workshops and events. See website
- Not wheelchair accessible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Opening Times
Every Friday and Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m. April to September. Groups by appointment at other times.
ADMISSION:
Admission fee applies.
DIRECTIONS:
Turn off the N81 in Baltinglass into the town centre and take the R727 to Kiltegan for 8km (approx. 10mins). Upon entering Kiltegan Village take the first left. Patthana (2 storey granite house) is on the right, opposite the village green.
Grounded in the Garden
In this intimate book, TJ Maher – artist, gardener, nature-lover and contemplative – elegantly combines his painter’s insight with his plantsman’s knowledge to present a masterclass in garden artistry.” JANE POWERS
GROUNDED in the GARDEN explores the practical considerations that come into play when creating a beautiful garden which also respects nature. TJ goes deep into such topics as using colour in the garden, creating and re-creating borders, and generally, how we can get the most from our gardens. But this is much more than just a how-to guide. Interspersed among the practical advice is a spiritual and thought-provoking inquiry as he reflects on nature and what she has to teach us if we are willing to listen. TJ writes, “Maybe the only things that matter in the end are love and the heart connections we have made.” This book is an invitation to love – both the natural world and ourselves. It is also a feast for the eyes. TJ’s photographs are supported by contributions from Jason Ingram, Clive Nichols, Richard Murphy and Kieran Neary. Together, their images bring to life the creatures, the beauty and the colour in his garden.
