Come right this way...
Lacking a full-scale garden of my own these days, I find there’s nothing else for it but to live vicariously through the gardens of others.
Fortunately for me, the National Botanic Gardens are not far away and, apart from being a generally lovely place to while away the time, you’ll find, tucked away in a corner of the grounds, their walled fruit and vegetable garden. It’s my first port of call when I visit.
Indoor and outdoor cultivation in the walled garden
You'll need to get past Mr. Scarecrow first, though
It truly does me a power of good to see just what it is you can grow in a sheltered patch of Irish ground – what you’ll see below is only a small selection. Of course I would love to take some of the bounty home with me, but I dutifully obey the ‘do not pick’ signs (no, really, I do). Besides, it’s good to know that, while some plants are left for display purposes, much of what is grown is harvested and shared out among the staff who have helped to tend to it. Proper order too.
Some lettuce to start
A vision in green: Golden Wonder spuds, peas and tuscan kale
Yellow courgettes
Red onions
Globe artichoke with purple flowers
Pears, apples and not-yet-blackberries
Grapes both red & green
And last, but not least, there are bumble bees -
and every garden should have some of those
I adore botanical gardens, love most areas but have always been drawn to the kitchen garden areas too!
I guess everything leads back to food in the end, Kavey!
Very tempting pickings indeed!
I know Ange, I was sorely tempted to squirrel away a few veg while nobody was looking but I resisted…
who knew that lettuce could look so good. gorgeous garden and ever so inspirational.
These gardens are just beautiful! And great shots of all the vegetables and fruits!
Deana: gorgeous garden indeed, wish it was my own!
5 Star Foodie: thanks – they are beautiful, aren’t they – so nice to have them nearby :)
I find vegetable garden inspiration too! GREG
Indeed, Greg, there’s nothing like seeing a garden full of gorgeous vegetables for a bit of kitchen inspiration