10 design lessons from Irish gardens

Garden inspiration from Powerscourt Garden, Co. Wicklow, Ireland and Mount Stewart Garden, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

Secret pathways never fail to seduce. Dating from 1730, The Grotto, made from petrified sphagnum moss from the banks of the nearby river Dargle, is one of the oldest parts of Powers­court. Adding to the secluded feel are frothy plantings such as soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) and Dryopteris spp.