The West Coast Microclimate
Despite sharing a latitude 50º and 60º north of the Equator and around 15º south of the Arctic circle (think Canada's Hudson Bay or southern Alaska), Ireland experiences a temperate maritime climate. This mildness is attributed to the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current originating in the Gulf of Mexico, a current that carries warm water and air towards Ireland’s shores. Without the Gulf Stream's influence, Ireland's average January temperature could be as much as 15 degrees Celsius colder than today. These conditions have produced a unique microclimate in the South West of Ireland, which has, for over a hundred years been a horticulturist’ dream.
Off the beaten path a little near The Lake House we have discovered a garden collective known as West Cork Garden Trail. These gardeners generally tend to live on the properties and care deeply for every flower and detail in their gardens, aiming to be more sustainable and diverse. Many gardeners on the Trail are working hard to make their gardens more sustainable using wildlife-friendly plants, cutting down on plastic, and growing more food.
Just a short drive from The Lake House, we stumbled upon a hidden gem Ardea Gardens. These gardens are unlike any I’ve ever seen. Nestled in eleven acres of ancient woodland, they offer a breathtaking view of the Beara Peninsula, Knockatee, Kerry Mountains, and Kenmare Bay. When Paul and Daniel purchased the gardens 2 years ago, it was in need of some serious care and attention. Although lovingly planted and planned by the previous owner, the gardens require full time attention of them both to reach their full potential and they have painstakingly rejuvenated it throughout that time.
Paul and resident guard dog/guide Rosie, a blind rescue who followed them to Ireland, were our dedicated guides on this particular day. Paul knew every twist and bend intimately as we took the steep descent (60 metres/ 200 feet) to sea level. Although Kerry is renowned for its views, Ardea Gardens' were simply breath-taking (you won't see the same view anywhere else in the peninsula). The Lehid River, Harbour, and the private waterfall were a sight to behold, the changeable skies meant that we managed to get two or three distinct views of the same vista on that day. Paul told us how they have a family of native Red Deer who often roam the gardens and sleep in the thick brush near the shore.
As we wandered through the winding paths, we were captivated by the diversity of plants – ancient oaks, birch, pines, and exotic imports from temperate rainforests in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and the American West. We had the opportunity to spot a variety of Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) which seemed huddled together in their own world. The gardens are alive with colour and sound, thanks to the several ponds and the vibrant wildlife they have restored. We walked into polytunnels filled with a variety of edible plants, some of which we had the opportunity to taste, full of colours and vibrancy we’ve never known in our own gardens. We even got to meet their apiary where Black Irish honey bees are were working away at producing honey almost ready for harvest.
The Ring of Beara's microclimate fosters a vibrant ecosystem, with gardeners particularly astonished by the abundance and diversity of plant life. At Ardea gardens you will get a truly unique glimpse into this world and is a must-visit for anyone who loves botany. We have already ordered flower bouquets from their cutting garden for guests arriving at the Lake House and the feedback has been extraordinary. Paul and Daniel encapsulate the pioneering spirit of their homeland and have gone to enormous lengths to make this one of our favourite places to visit.
You can find more images of Ardea Gardens on Instagram @lehidgardens or email to arrange a tour. ardeagardens@gmail.com
