Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutLakeshore Advance, 2013-10-30, Page 5Wednesday, October 30, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 655 Community What Irish Gardeners can teach Canadian gardeners Mark (:uIle►t appears on Canada AM every Wednesday morning at 8:40. Ile is spokesperson for Ilon' 1larclware Lawn and Garden. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter at wtou!►narkrullen.rorn." Recently, I had the opportunity to visit some of the great gardens of Ireland as a guest of 'Tourism Ireland. It was both eye-opening and confirming of many notions (hitt 11111(1 0f the Emerald Isle as I had never been there before. Helen I)fllon Our first stop was the home and garden of the great Irish gardener I ((len Dillon. Some people have suggested that 1 Men 1 )illon is the 'Mark Cullen' of Irish gardening. It there is even a morsel of truth to that statement, it is a very gener- ous compliment to nae. I (Oen is 1I1(' i)1'eelllillt'llt garden designer, writer, and broadcaster in the country. She lives it few minutes from the heat of Dublin on iul old street featuring 3 story, historic stone homes. 1'he approach to I lelen's home set us tip for 4 hours of enchantment and adventure. I ler front yard is dominated by a grove of carefully placed mature white hired creating 11 cathedral - like environment. It makes you 'hash up' its you approach the door, with expectations that some- thing big is on the other side. Once indoors, we were lead directly to the large sitting room at the buck of the home where large, floor -to -ceiling windows reveal an extraordinary garden of great proportion. 'The design of 1 lelen's garden is a colourful combination of an Ital- ian theme featuring garden stat- ues, a monstrous arbour in the Column Mark Cullen www.nuultcullan.cont hack -ground will) a Tong series of water ponds and wale' falls that are set in a pet tectly rectangular stone design. 'l'he tvuter felonies are framed by a blowsy, 1111(.11 se combination of dahlias, flowering petemliais, and shrubs much like an English country flower border. 1lelen's impressive garden is matched by her equally powerful and enthusiastic personality. She speaks with such passion about Irish gardens that she barely takes a breath I didn't want to inter- rupt her out of fele' that 1 might miss something important. I lelen opens her garden to the public for 7 months of the year (Murch through September) and prefers that you hook your viewing time ahead. Details at wtvw.(111longarden. com Mount Umber Gardens The sign at the road says it all: "Mount tiller, voted Best Garden to Visit in Ireland. 1111(; Gat (tenet s World": Driving up to the main entrance the moniker seemed somehow misplaced as the park lug lot and entrance is very Helen Dillon garden modest. I found myself wondering why this particular garden had been recommended to us. Once we passed through the garden gate, however, a whole new world was re'veale'd. Here we found over 1 2 'champion' trees ear marked for their size and cultural signifi- cance in a country where cultivat- ing trees is an obsession. Each of these trees is the biggest and most significant of its kind in the coun- try. For each tree species there is only one tree in Ireland that can attain the 'champion' designation. Each was 'photo worthy' and amazing in its own right. The 22 -acre garden features an azalea walk, 30 foot rho(1o(1e'n- drons, 2,200 mature trees and shrubs, an extensive rock garden and a typical English country per- ennial border, which, as Sean says, "'Tourists have conte to expect in a show garden." I recommend Mount usher to anyone who Mark Cullen photo enjoys Irish history (the garden was established over 15(1 years ago), a quiet country setting (just a few blocks from a busy urban arra), and shopping. They have create(! a 'street' Of shops that line the walk on your way into the gar - (len from the parking lot. flus you will find the obligatory 'cafe' that all self-respecting public gardens in this country maintain. For details go to http://www.moun- tushergardens.ie/ It's not too late to support the Salvation Army's Hope in the City breakfast Stephen Lewis to provide keynote address to London's business colilrnunity Lakeshore Advanco 'There's still time to join 'Ihe Salvation Arany L0nd0n this November 11(11 as they bring together community and business leaders for London's second 11111111111 1 !Opt, in the City breakfast at the Best Western Lamplighter 11111. The breakfast kicks off all important season of giving a11(1 calls ot1 load business leaders to support charitable programs at a critical time of need In the community. 'Ihe 1 lope In the City breakfast is an oppor- tunity to learn more about The Salvation Army programs that make London hopeful for the future. Special guests Include keynote speaker Stephen Lewis, politician and humanitarian, who will share how 1.011(11)11 businesses can bring hope and change to their own city by supporting a local charity. Mori ay Faulkner, Former Chief of 1.011(1011 Police Services tvIII act as the t\laster of Ceremonies. "We rely 011 the generous donations of time and fundraising from corporate sponsors to help us continue to provide the basic neces- sities of lite - food, shelter and clothing to those marginalized in our community," says Perron Goodyear, Public Relations and Development Representative at The Salva- tion Army. "Without corporate sponsors, wt' would not have the resources to Ito so. When you give to The Salvation Arany, you are investing in the future of the people 111 your community., The slope in the (aty hrrakfast will take place at the Best 1Vestern Lamplighter 11111,� Conference. Centre on Thursday, November 14, 2013, from 7:31) • 0:01) a.m. 'Pickets are $50 each or $4011 for a table of eight. For more information cull 519-433-0106 or visit www. hopeinthecitylondon.ci. About 'lite Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 11102 a11(I has grown to become the largest note -governmental direct provider of social services in the country. 1111' Salva tion Army gives (lope 4(11(1 support to vulller• able People today and every day 111 40(1 com- munities across Canada and more than 12(1 countries ;wound the world. The Salvation Army offers Practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of lifi', providing shelter for hone' Tess people who have lost control of their lives to ;111 addiction.