Diarmuid Gavin's Irish Garden

What is an Irish Garden? Diarmuid Gavin, best known for his unconventional garden designs on British TV, returns to his native Ireland on a personal quest to find out if "Irishness makes gardens different." It's a journey that will take him from the splendors of formal gardens to picturesque cottages, and further to tiny city gardens and campuses with contemporary artistic designs. In addition, Gavin spends some time investigating the conservation efforts at the National Botanic Gardens and rounds out his presentation with "before and after" views of the work sponsored by the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme. As the various garden designers speak to Gavin about their inspirations, they project a contagious joy and passion. Even if there is no definitive answer for what makes an Irish garden, Gavin urges us to push the horticultural boundaries, using what we've seen as a jumping off point for creating something new. With its abundant variety of botanical glory, intelligent commentary, homage to the past and vision for the future, this survey of Irish gardens is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)