A delightful, otherworldly journey marked the young gardener's visit to Tresco's exotic tropical haven island
In the heart of Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens has nurtured a deep-rooted love for plant records, collections, and public engagement among many, including a notable speaker. This passion for the unconventional is echoed in the horticultural heroes of Ireland, best exemplified by the creators of Inverewe Gardens in Scotland.
Developed in the 1860s by Osgood Mackenzie, Inverewe Gardens showcases an adventurous planting style that thrives on pushing boundaries. Mackenzie, in his quest to create a unique microclimate, planted a shelter belt of Scots pines, which enabled unusual plant species to flourish far north of their typical range. This pioneering approach includes growing tender species like towering Crinodendrons and Rhododendrons, demonstrating a daring experimentation with plants that might not normally survive in that latitude.
Though specific contemporary Irish horticulturists may not be named, the ethos of this adventurous planting style lives on in the Irish context. Notable figures like Jimi Blake are celebrated for their bold approach to horticulture, carrying forward the legacy of Mackenzie's innovative spirit.
The speaker, who studied at the National Botanic Gardens alongside Eileen Gahan, shares this passion for the unconventional. They suggest that learning about plants, documenting what is seen, and gardening with intention are valuable tips for every gardener.
The speaker's love for subtropical plants was kindled at Tresco, a garden where they fell in love with species like Piper excelsum, Neopanax laetus, and Aeonium cuneatum. Even outside a subtropical climate, willowherbs are their favourite 'weeds' due to their beauty, manageability, and usefulness for wildlife.
Eileen Gahan, a friend and fellow Irish immigrant, has been a significant inspiration in the speaker's horticulture career. The speaker feels fortunate to have spent many lunch breaks wandering the gardens, discovering new plants.
Passion for horticulture should not lead to poverty, according to the speaker. They believe that gardeners should be properly compensated, especially for their role in finding solutions for the future. John Little, with his radical and experimental approach to ecological gardening, and Will Tomson, who believes that gardening for wildlife doesn't have to mean an untidy garden, are fellow advocates for this cause.
Hannah Moore, a horticulturist who swapped a career on Savile Row for an outdoor life on the Isles of Scilly, is another trailblazer in the horticulture world. The endangered Mauritian bellflower (Nesocodon mauritianus), which has evolved to attract day geckos with its blood-red nectar, is a testament to the wonders that await those who dare to delve into the world of plants.
For more information about the speaker, visit tresco.co.uk. The speaker's Instagram handle is @dollyhoyle, where they share their love for gardens, plants, and the intricate details that make each one unique.
- The speaker, who studied at the National Botanic Gardens, shares the same passion for the unconventional as Mackenzie, the creator of Inverewe Gardens, and appreciates the adventurous planting style that defies boundaries.
- Horticulturist Hannah Moore, who left a career on Savile Row for an outdoor life on the Isles of Scilly, is another horticulture trailblazer, much like the speaker, who coins ideas on gardening for wildlife and proper compensation for gardeners.
- The speaker's love for horticulture extends to fashion and beauty, with their Instagram handle @dollyhoyle showcasing a glimpse into their life that combines a deep appreciation for gardens, plants, and the unique details that make each one exceptional.
- Similarly, Eileen Gahan, a fellow Irish immigrant, has significantly inspired the speaker's horticulture career, much like how the horticultural heroes of Ireland echo the passion for the unconventional exemplified by Inverewe Gardens creators.
