These gardens, designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. They are in a wonderful setting, along the River Liffey, and adjacent to the Phoenix Park. The gardens contain a sunken Rose Garden which will be at its best in mid-Summer when this event is planned.
Escallonia ‘C F Ball’ is named for Charles Frederick Ball, who was killed at Gallipoli in 1915. Charles Frederick Ball, who trained at Kew Gardens, was an Assistant Keeper at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and advised at the Acton estate at Kilmacurragh, now, also, part of the National Botanic Gardens. Escallonia CF Ball is one seedling from several raised by him before the war, another – ‘Alice’ – is named for his wife.
The Great War caused the demise of numerous gardens as so many staff volunteered for service in the British Army and other Allied Forces, never to return. The Irish Garden Plant Society is pleased to be able to help keep the memory of these people with us. This a free event, open to the public, but we hope that IGPS members who are free on Tuesday afternnoon, the 28th June, will attend to promote this Irish heritage plant.
Entrance to the garden is via Con Colbert Road where there is a small car park. Buses 51,68 and 69 from Aston Quay. Please note there are no facilities at this garden.
For more information on Dublin’s Commemorative Sites visit OPW Dublin Website
