It was great to be asked to speak at Johnstown Castle Garden Fair at the weekend. It was a new garden show and, from what I could tell, by chatting to stall holders and visitors, a great success. The venue, of course, is wonderful, with so much to see. It is a few years since I have visited and it was heartening to see the changes in the walled garden. Instead of the traditional formal layout the changes have brought a series of sinuous paths and beds planted in the ‘prairie style’ in the past three years.

Popular with landscapers, the style does not always work in small gardens but here it was effective. The various areas are planted with contrasting colour groups.

What was notable is that all the plants could be grown easily from seed. I am not sure if that was what happened here but I did not spot anything that could not be grown at home from seed to create a similar effect for very little cost.

A huge bed of achillea could be replicated with a single packet of ‘Summer Pastels’ or similar.

The borders were at their height and the weather was warm and sunny.

Apart from giving my talk there were talks by Michael White, packed with anecdotes about his time at Mount Congreve and a stimulating talk by Mary Reynolds. It was good to catch up with lots of nurseries too and Head Gardener Ciaran Fitzgerald. Of course I came back with lots of plants including some lovely pelargoniums species and some rarities that will be planted now we have had some refreshing rain.

johnstown castle