Hunting Brook Gardens

Hidden in the foothills of the majestic Wicklow Mountains, lies Hunting Brook – a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Bright colours, lush verdant foliage and inspiring designs welcome the visitor to this exciting new garden creation. It is home to Jimi Blake who, having trained at the prestigious National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, took on the mammoth restoration and redesign of Airfield Gardens in Dundrum, Co. Dublin. Head Gardener there for over 10 years, Jimi transformed it into one of Ireland’s most influential exciting gardens.

Now striking out on his own, Jimi has created a plant’s person’s paradise adjacent to his family home. The sound of the Hunting Brook running through the ancient glaciated glen mingles with bird song and the rustle of leaves – a true pastoral symphony.

The centrepiece of this horticultural oasis is a log cabin imported from Poland. Not only is this Jimi’s home but it also doubles as a venue for the wide variety of courses taught at Hunting Brook. With sumptuous views of the gardens and the nearby mountains, the house is indeed a perfect classroom. For more practical demonstrations the whole of Hunting Brook becomes an outdoor classroom. Courses even take in the nearby splendour of Jimi’s sister, June Blake’s Garden and Nursery

The gardens themselves offer something for everyone from lazy woodland walks through to the extensive contemporary borders in a modern fusion of prairie and tropical planting with an incredible plant collection. Many of the vast collection of plants on show were handpicked by Jimi. He has a reputation for collecting, growing and propagating rare and unusual plants from his travels to far-flung destinations such as China, Australia and South Africa. The every changing garden allows Jimi the unique opportunity to constantly experiment and update the various areas.

Plans to expand, experiment and develop the gardens are well underway but are firmly in line with the natural and informal style that makes Hunting Brook unique. Repeat visits allow the visitor to witness first hand the constant changes and additions to this peaceful haven.