Of the 18 acres of land surrounding Bruckless House, 3 are dedicated to cultivated gardens. These stretch down to the shores of Bruckless Bay and offer spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean. Visitors are invited to stroll across the lawns and through the woodland to take the sea air, while enjoying the mature trees, colourful shrubbery and delicate flowers. This is one of the outstanding gardens in County Donegal and is included in the Donegal Garden Trail, presented by the Irish Tourist Board to promote gardens and gardeners in this part of Ireland. Here in Bruckless Joan is the gardener whilst Clive just cuts the grass.
The weather is a deciding factor in any garden and this one is no exception. This year, 2010, the winter was unusually cold and long, the spring was unusually dry and sunny. Some plants have not adapted well to these conditions whilst others have flourished. In particular, the trees in the woodland surrounding the House have prospered and produced an abundance of seed. Most noticeable is the performance of the Wych elm trees (Ulmus glabra) that adorn the back avenue and in other places. On a breezy day, the air has been thick with its winged seed that find their way into many nooks and crannies. This phenomenom mirrors what has happend with elms in other parts and gives hope to a resurgence of these trees which are under threat in so many areas.
The gardens are open to the public during May and June - a small fee is requested for charity, this year in support of Barnardow's Fund for Children, Dublin. Visit www.donegalgardentrail.com for this and other gardens in County Donegal.
Joan is a Founder Member of the Donegal Garden Society, now ten years in the running and active amongst gardeners in the region holding meetings monthly to discuss all things horticultural and nature-wise. The Society has a website at www.donegalgardensociety.net which gives more detail.
Clive and Joan Evans, Bruckless House, Bruckless, Co. Donegal, Ireland
phone: 00353 74 9737071
email: bruc@bruckless.com