A Donaghmore garden will open to the public on Sunday, July 30 to raise funds for Laois Hospice. Hazel Luskin’s idyllic creation at Gortnalee House will be accessible from 2 to 6pm.
“I opened Gortnalee House Gardens in aid of Laois Hospice in the past but this is my first open day since Covid put a stop to this kind of event,” said Hazel.
Part of the Laois garden trail, the garden was designed without any lawns.
“It has an emphasis on native trees and plants in a small woodland area but also has a cottage garden style in the main garden. There are winding paths, lots of places to sit, and of course tea and cake,” said Hazel.
“I started gardening in 1968 in my first home in London. There have been five generations of women gardeners in my family, from my grandmother down to my grand-niece.
“My latest garden in Gortnalee House was begun in 2008 when my late husband Brendan challenged me to create a garden of just over half an acre with no lawns,” she said.
“Shrubs are a feature of the garden as well as colourful borders where plants given to me by fellow gardeners and propagated here in Gortnalee play a big role. I have constructed some living willow structures in the garden, and the network of paths is always being increased.
“It is important to me that there are lots of seats in the garden so that it can be a place for me to sit and enjoy as well as to care for.
“During Covid lockdowns the garden was my salvation so it is with great joy that I am once again having an open day in aid of Laois Hospice,” said Hazel.
“Like most people I have had people in my life affected by cancer and I have seen at first hand the enormous benefit of hospice care in the home for both the patient and their families.
“The ongoing support and counselling for people affected by cancer or the loss it brings is beyond compare. It is for this reason that I decided to see if people would come visit the garden and donate to this important charity,” Hazel said.
www.gortnaleegarden.com
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