Along the Rose Walk
The old fashioned and scented Hybrid Musk Roses which line
the Rose Walk are joined by many other species of roses
and hybrids. Other perennial plants include Anemone
hybida cultivars, Agapanthus,
Sidalcea, Echinops, Hemerocallis, Nepeta and Geraniums. The
large ground covering of Geranium on
the banks are of Geranium
maccorhizum and Bergenias. |
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Music Garden
A well sheltered, colourful and tranquil amphitheatre-like
area containing a spacious lawn, ground-level and elevated
walks with ample seating, all centred around a Band Stand,
where local and visiting Bands and Musical Groups perform. |
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Bee Garden
Bee hives have been maintained here for many years with
the bees collecting nectar from willows,clover,heathers
and other wild flowers. With the planting of the gardens
the variety of nectar sources has increased markedly.
Red Alder Alnus
rubra and Contorta Pines Pinus
contorta give shelter
to the hives. The enormous range of flowering, nectar
producing plants in both the music and sensory gardens
as well as the close proximity of the Herb Rich Meadow
will ensure that plenty of food and raw materials for
honey making are accessible to the bees. |
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Sensory Garden
The garden hosts many of our most colourful and aromatic
flowers and plants. There are ninety-four scented varieties.
Specially designed to accommodate physically impaired
visitors with gentle slopes and raised garden beds. Whilst
seated in the gardens 17th century seating planted with
aromatic and therapeutic Thyme and Camomile one
is easily distracted by birdsong, the occasional butterfly
as it flutters from plant to plant, or the humming of
the bees hastily seeking the many nectar rich plants. |
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Sensory
Garden continued...
This garden varies with the rest of the Park throughout
the changing seasons. Daffodils and Narsissii vie with
Primula "Wanda" in spring months beneath Daphne
mezereum. Earlier Daphne
bhoula jaqueline postill is well scented
and hardy Pansies are prolific, even seeding on the gravelled
paths. Mahonias, Lilacs, Viburnums, Sages and Rosemary
all mix scents in the air with Musk Roses and old Cottage
Pinks. Lonicera
fragrantissima and Standishii are superbly
scented shrubs and contribute perfume and shape to the
garden. The coppiced Eucalyptus provides aroma and interesting
foliage while trees from the bible, including the Manna
Ash Fraxinus
ornus and "Balm of Gilead" Populus
balsamifera,
also grow in the lower west side of the garden. |
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Towards Tertiary Garden
Another special conservation feature of the lower arboretum
area, which includes some now rare and threatened species
that once grew in ireland thousands of years ago - towards
the Tertiary period. A display board indicates the estimated
ages when these trees occupied the Irish countryside
and their current distribution in other lands.
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Pavilion Garden
The pavilion garden is located just outside the visitor centre. It is home to flowers and trees such as Nepeta Catmint, Box Hedging, Day Lily (Hemorcallis), Eleagnus Pungens Maculata and the common heather.
It is a great place to sit down and relax to take in the magnificent views of our newest water feature ‘The Circus’ and the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Or why not enjoy a game of chess or draughts in this beautiful garden
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| The Bandstand |
An outdoor 'focal point' set in an amphitheatre of extensive
landscaped banks and maturing pine trees. A feature in itself
as well as being a forum for bands and other recitals.
Pictured above a musical recital by the members of the Cork
Butter Exchange Brass and Reed Band. |
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| The Westlakes High School Band |
| The Westlakes High School Band, Texas, USA performing
at the Park on Sunday June 11th 2000. |
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