Exhibitors
Show Gardens
Arkidex - Garden Solutions
Erratic
Designer: Ciaran T Kirwan
Sponsors: Horticulture Ireland, Mr Denis O’Brien, Outdoor Scene, Manor Stone
Contractors: Arkidex, Maple Carpentry
Click on the image to view a hi-res version
Click here to view a panorama of this garden.
The source of inspiration for this garden is Co Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland, deemed the 'Garden of Ireland'. Co Wicklow is beautifully picturesque, with mountain peaks and an impressive coastline. The local flora, fauna and geological uniqueness provide raw material for this design, and the garden captures the essence of Wicklow.
The title Erratic is a geological term that refers to a solitary stone transported by glacial movement to a different landscape. The garden’s hard landscaping consists predominantly of Wicklow granite; riven slabs cover the courtyard floor, and quarried stone wraps around the submerged solid fuel sauna. The sauna is insulated by the earth’s natural insulatory qualities, and by a carpet of ferns on the gently sloping roof. A recycled dairy vat has been fashioned into a solid fuel hot tub. Working on a convection system, it uses collected rainwater.
Cedar planters, staggered for interest, frame the garden, and contain the majority of the planting, including Arbutus, Ulex and heather. A timber wall with planting 'drawers' encloses the space, which has been designed for relaxation and entertaining.