Herbert Park & Dundrum Luas Bridge
This evening I strolled through Herbert Park, which is a 32 acre public park located between Donnybrook & Ballsbridge in Dublin. As it was a damp, overcast evening the early summer plant foliage was looking luxuriantly green and alive. The Rhododendron sp. are now in flower - they grow on an artificial island in the artificial lake in the park. The abbreviation 'sp' denotes 'species'. The shrub known as Bridal Wreath (Spiraea x vanhouttei) is now beginning to loose its mass of small white flowers. Grow it as an informal hedge or in amixed border. The cherry trees, Prunus 'Kanzan', Prunus 'Taihaku' & possibly other cultivars (or varieties) are still in flower blossom. An indication that there hasn't been any strong, windy weather. These deciduous cherry trees shed their delicate flowers quite easily - a strong wind would deflower them in a day or less.I have been observing this park for the last 16 years and it still has to be one of the most pleasant public parks to walk through. The only criticism I would have is of the poorly maintained herbaceous flower border which runs adjacent to the pergola. I will upload some pictures very soon which will show the unkempt nature of this herbaceous border. Hopefully the gardeners will do something to improve its appearance. I intend to offer my gardening & horticultural advice to the head gardener, whom I had the pleasure of working with several years ago (spring 2003).
More on Herbert Park in future posts...
The quarter acre or so of land underneath the Luas Bridge in Dundrum, South Dublin was last week raked level & planted up with heathers, Betula sp. (Silver Birch tree which is deciduous) & a Picea abies (conifer). The Betula is just beginning to produce leaves. This tree has a lovely white bark; much recommended by garden designers. Chipped bark was applied as a mulch over the whole area. Future digital pictures will reveal the positive impact of this newly planted public space. It definitely improves the rather concrete looking structure that is the Luas Bridge. Incidentally the 'Luas' is an electric tram system which was opened last May or June 2005: http://www.luas.ie/ should get you more information.
posted by Thomas @ 9:46 pm
1 Comments:
You decribe Herbert Park well. I have also strolled through it many times..a beautifull place..an understated gem..
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