SUMMER AT SALTHILL GARDENS

Salthill Gardens in Mountcharles, County Donegal, designed by Elizabeth Temple has long been an inspiration for the Magee 1866 brand, Elizabeth has spent many years designing a garden fresh with colour, scent and quiet ease.

Located just outside the village of Mountcharles and less than 200 metres from the sea, Salthill Gardens blends perennials, vegetables, and shrubs in a contemporary space that gently recalls the timeless charm of traditional walled gardens. We talked to her about her garden and inspirations...

How did you first start your garden?

I grew up in beautiful gardens amongst people who loved gardening so it was an easy transition building my own as I had a lot of knowledge that had been instilled in me as a child. I started Salthill Gardens in 1984 and began by drawing shapes with a spade. It has taken me over 20 years to design what you see today but it has been a joy to watch as each season something new starts to grow.

Have the coastal conditions shaped what you grow or how you garden?

We are right on the edge of Donegal bay and the Atlantic ocean here, it's windy beside the sea so I have planted more robust plants over the years and I have grown trees within the garden to add shelter and interest.

Which flowers are your favourties at this time of year?

I love the apple blossoms at this time of year and all the small delicate flowers that appear at the start of the summer as they attract lots of bees into the garden.

What advice would you give someone starting their own garden by the sea?

Think about the setting your garden is in, try out new plants and see how they fare and connect with your garden communities, I am part of the Kilcar Community Garden and the Donegal Garden Trail and have many groups visiting my garden during the summer, this is a wonderful way to meet like minded people and to gather knowledge on gardening in your area.