In early July, the GLDA organised a visit for members to the outstanding Patthana Garden in Co. Wicklow where they were treated to both horticultural and culinary delights by the hosts and garden owners TJ Maher and Simon Kirby.
Patthana, which means an awareness in the moment, is one of my favourite gardens to visit. There, I am immersed in beautiful planting and Patthana’s inviting atmosphere.
TJ’s garden tour was entertaining and engaging, beginning at the entrance courtyard, also a meditation space. He told us about the history of the property when they first bought it 26 years ago.
The tour continued up to the inner garden, where we started to see TJ’s vision and extraordinary talent as he paints with plants.
We then moved into the Torc garden, where the planting becomes more relaxed, and an inviting seating area is enclosed by beautiful planting.
From there we moved out to a gorgeous wildflower meadow with mown paths.
Coffee, tea, and delicious cakes freshly baked by Simon, were served in the recently built tea rooms, surrounded by their collection of antiques, which are all for sale.
Kinta Oakes, GLDA Chairperson
Photo credit: Frazer McDonogh
