Summer has arrived across the estate, bringing long days, vibrant blooms, and renewed life to every corner of the gardens.
The gardening team has been busy preparing the grounds and gardens for the warmer months, with seasonal plantings bursting with colour and new growth unfolding throughout the landscape. Here’s what’s been happening on the estate this summer.
A Zest For Early Summer!
By Rosemary, Powerscourt Gardener
Hello Everyone!
The unusually warm, dry, and wind-free weather we have enjoyed since March has brought an early burst of colour to the gardens. This welcome sunshine kick-started our blooming season, beginning with a breathtaking display of tulips in the herbaceous border. Throughout April, over 15,000 tulip bulbs across 25 varieties in delicate pastel shades of pink, purple, peach, lemon, and white came into bloom. The result was nothing short of spectacular, offering a dazzling “wow” moment to start our year in the garden!
As the tulips begin to fade, they are swiftly followed by a succession of flowering herbaceous perennials. These bloom in gentle waves from early summer right through to autumn. At the moment, you can enjoy early summer favourites in hues of blue and purple, such as Monkshood (Aconitum napellus), Perennial Cornflower (Centaurea montana), and Aquilegia (Columbine). Keep an eye out too for our magnificent Oriental or Giant Poppies (Papaver orientale), currently making a bold entrance in shades of scarlet-orange (‘Allegro’) and rich dusky plum (‘Patty’s Plum’).
Our beloved peonies are also coming along beautifully and began blooming in early June. With large, showy flowers ranging from the palest blush pink to deep magenta, they are always a guest favourite. You may notice the elegant wooden domes encircling each plant crafted by hand from Dogwood (Cornus) branches, these supports are entirely biodegradable and eco-friendly. They are a perfect example of sustainable gardening in action, and we look forward to sharing how they are made!
And that is just what is happening in the herbaceous border!
Over in the Japanese Garden, the Azaleas are in full swing a joyful riot of pink, purple, and orange, many of them deliciously fragrant, their scent intensified in the warmth of the sun. As you cross the main pond via the wooden bridge, take a moment to enjoy the stunning Viburnum ‘Lanarth’, now in full bloom and covered in clouds of snow-white blossoms.
Further along, the Rhododendron Walk is a must-see right now. Many of our Rhododendrons are flowering in shades of white, blush, crimson, and deep purple. A recent addition to this area is our new immersive walkway an elevated, boarded path that allows visitors to walk through the canopy of these striking blooms for an unforgettable, close-up experience.
Our roses are almost ready to join the show and will begin blooming from June onwards. In the formal rose garden in front of the glasshouses, a vibrant mix of colours awaits. We have also recently introduced new roses to the Italian Garden, where you will find the classic red Rosa ‘Ingrid Bergman’ and elegant white ‘Margaret Merril’, nestled among topiary and framed by neat dwarf yew hedging. These are sure to provide another moment of midsummer magic.
With summer arriving hot on the heels of spring, the gardens are bursting into colour across every corner. We are so looking forward to welcoming you to Powerscourt Gardens over the coming weeks, and we would love to hear which blooms capture your imagination and become your seasonal favourites!
Warm wishes,
Rosemary (and all of the Gardening Team)