In the Garden: Oasis of tree ferns a great place to visit

As September draws to a close, we really cannot complain as our Indian summer materialised somewhat this year - and was it ever needed after the mixed bag of a summer!

We were delivered a few balmy evenings and spectacular sunsets this September.

As the growth is winding down in the garden, it is a time when the tropical plants begin to shine, particularly foliage plants like cannas, gingers, castor oil, bananas and tree ferns.

Just before the cold evenings appear, all of these plants start getting into their stride, showing off fancy foliage that has been gaining momentum all summer.

Of course, a lot of these beauties will need to be brought indoors for the winter months as they are quite tender and would be prone to rot if left in the ground over winter, considering our rainfall amounts.

Quite often in Ireland, it is the over-watering and dampness that kills these exotics, rather than the cold. It is good that they are getting their moment in the spotlight this September.

A visit to south Kerry along the Ring of Kerry revealed a pretty exotic new garden just before Sneem, where plants more commonly seen in tropical locations and particularly tree ferns are to the fore.

It is Glashnacree House and Gardens, situated in Derryquinn, Sneem, the garden of Patrick de Nangle and Greg Smith - an oasis of tree ferns comprising 10 acres which has been their home for the last six years.

When they purchased the property, much of the ground was waterlogged and prone to flooding due to land drains which had not been maintained. Patrick has resolved this and created a pretty, idyllic setting for the cultivation of tree ferns, ground ferns, and exotic flowering species like gingers and cannas.

Tree ferns take precedent in this garden and great lengths have been taken to provide the best growing conditions possible.

It becomes really clear from talking to Patrick that this is a man that cares about his plants and giving them the conditions they need for growing well and establishing in this tropical corner of county Kerry.

Tree ferns have quite extensive root systems that they simply do not get credit for, and that is why top-soil and horse manure have been used when planting all of the new additions to this garden in recent years, and it shows in the healthy and prolific growth of these exotic beauties.

There are 25 different types of tree fern currently in the gardens, and it is growing all of the time.

Huge clearance and drainage has been done on two acres to make way for a stepping stone path through a young forest of tree ferns, and it is a sight to behold.

The lush growth and green of the leaves is testament to their contentment in the growing conditions given.

It is special walking through this collection of plants, which have been amassed over the last few decades by Patrick, many of them large specimens brought from other gardens with a story to tell. In a few more years, once the canopy gets up, it will be even more spectacular.

Some protection is provided in the form of heavier 100g horticultural fleece which is used to wrap the ferns when temperatures dip lower over the winter months.

Dried leaves are also used to cover the growing tips, protecting them from frost damage also.

In addition to the tree fern forest, there are also swathes of tropical planting around the house and pool area - you could be in the tropics!

The foliage of colocasia and alocasia are particularly effective, with the ordinary nasturtium producing fiery shades of yellow and orange at ground level, the perfect autumn pairing before the frost!

A really intimate space has been created at the rear of the house for outdoor dining, which has been surrounded with spectacular foliage plants and grasses, giving a very dramatic effect.

This garden has got style and character and is only in its infancy. With an enthusiastic designer and plants man driving its evolution, there are exciting times ahead for this gem in Kerry.

The garden is open by appointment only, contact 087 6089176 for more details.

One very challenging aspect of gardening in this part of the world is the presence of deer, and consequently ticks, which can be responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. This is a bacterial disease which can be treated more easily if caught early.

As gardeners, we need to be aware of this and take the relevant precautions. Ticks will try to attach to exposed skin so it is important to cover up when out in the garden and check for ticks on the skin at the end of the day.

Lyme disease can have very debilitating consequences, so is best avoided, and it is important to be aware of the risks when gardening.

Plant of the Week

One of Patrick’s favourite tree ferns at Glashnacree House and Gardens is Dicksonia fibrosa, with its characteristic orange midrib or rachis as it is more correctly known.

The leaves of ferns are called fronds and the fronds of D. fibrosa are light green in colour.

As with all tree ferns, this plant will do best in indirect sunlight growing in a damp acid soil. It will get to about four metres in height with a similar spread.

These plants are native to New Zealand and Australia and their native habitats are tropical rain forests so getting conditions as close to this will see them grow the best.

It can tolerate temperature down to -5 degrees celsius, so while they require shelter they are not a good choice for frost pockets.