SUMMER GARDENS:Gardeners of Ireland rejoice: Mount Usher in Co Wicklow is looking better than ever since the Pratt family took over, writes Jane Powers.
WHEN THE Pratt family, owners of the Avoca shops, took a 25-year lease on the historic Mount Usher Gardens in Co Wicklow, the gardeners of Ireland put on their most vigilant hats, opened their eagle eyes wide, and sat back to watch.
Would the 20 or so acres, strung along the banks of the River Vartry, be treated with the deference to which they were well accustomed? For more than a quarter of a century the gardens had been sensitively maintained by the Jay family (who still live there), with profound respect for the Robinsonian principles that Mount Usher's original creators, the Walpoles, espoused back at the end of the 19th century. Moreover, Madelaine Jay, being devoted to wildlife (of which there is an abundance here, including otters), had allowed no pesticides or weedkiller in that time.
The Wicklow garden is a masterpiece of naturalistic planting, as preached by the Irish-born gardener and writer William Robinson. Here, garden plants are woven together in the same way that nature arranges wild species: in drifts and in sympathetic communities. There is little formality, and absolutely no artifice. The hand of man is gentle and subtle, encouraging the plants to make all the statements, and to provide structure, ground cover and filler in the landscape. At Mount Usher, the only man-made objects are the beautiful, airy suspension bridges spanning the Vartry and the inviting green benches - each one placed so as to offer the best possible view. It is a supremely relaxing place: tranquil, watery, beautiful.
It is also an exceptional arboretum, with some of the finest woody specimens in Ireland. The century-old Mexican pine (Pinus montezumae) is a blue-green mountain of a tree; the eucalyptus, southern beech (Nothofagus) and Eucryphia collections will keep any plantsperson busy for hours; and the outrageously bright rhododendrons and azaleas, and the many maples (changing colours dramatically with the seasons) are sure-fire crowd-pleasers.
I'm happy to report that, under the guardianship of the Pratts, Mount Usher (one of my favourite gardens in Ireland, so I'm watching too) is thriving. Additional gardeners have been added to the crew, so that essential tasks can be carried out, such as careful clearance (by hand) of invasive, non-native, wild garlic (Allium triquetrum, a Mediterranean species). The Jays' organic standards have been strictly observed, and will continue to be, for as long as the Pratts manage the gardens, according to Simon Pratt.
A new car park, which has been tactfully integrated into the existing structure, has opened recently, and a new plant sales area opens in the coming days. The cafe and courtyard (both revamped) are busier than ever, and filled with well-heeled Avoca devotees. But never mind all that, the gardens (because that's what we men and women of the soil really care about) are looking better than ever. I'm almost reluctant to tell you to go and visit, because I like them best when they are quiet. But great gardens such as these depend on the income from visitors for their survival. So, go and see. And go softly, so you can feel the magic.
Mount Usher Gardens are open daily until October 31st, 10.30am-5.20pm; adults €7, concessions for OAPS and students, under- fives free. Call 0404-40205 or 0404-40116 (cafe); www.mountushergardens.ie