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Ard na Sidhe
Country House
was originally built at the turn of the century by Lady
Edith Gordon, a keen gardener, traveler and writer, who
planted many trees and laid out a number of garden features
most of which have long since disappeared except for the
rock garden which still contains some of her original
plantings including several slow growing conifers and some
hybrid rhododendrons. |
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As far as we are aware no further major planting was carried
out until the late 1970s when many rare and unusual trees
and shrubs were supplied by Hilliers, the Hampshire nursery
firm. In the years since, a great deal of scrub clearance
has taken place to make way for new planting which continues
today.
Among the major developments is the Tree Fern Glade which
provides a suitably sheltered, moist and semi-shady site for
several species of tree fern as well as bamboos,
rhododendrons and associated plants. Indeed, it is these
conditions which ensure that rare and unusual plants thrive
here. Around the house meanwhile, beds have been planted
with a mixture of fuchias, azaleas and camellias together
with a range of perennial plants such as Dieramas, Geraniums
and Lavateras which provide a wealth of colour from spring
through early autumn.
The gardens at Ard na Sidhe are a haven for special plants
which can be viewed at leisure from a series of paths and
trails winding down to the Caragh Lake. We hope that you
will enjoy the gardens whatever your level of interest. Its
setting surrounded by mountains and with a beautiful lake
below is unforgettable. Today, Sir Roy Lancaster, continues
to supervise our plantings. |
