Conservation Horticulture at Mount Usher Gardens

Members of the Plant Climate Lab recently joined colleagues from Trinity College Botanic Garden and the National Botanic Gardens for a visit to Mount Usher Gardens in Ashford, Co. Wicklow.

The visit brought together people involved in teaching Conservation Horticulture at Trinity College Dublin, allowing us to explore how important living plant collections can be used for conservation, research and teaching.

We were very lucky to have a fantastic guided tour with Head Gardener Seán Heffernan, who shared his extensive knowledge of the garden, its history and its remarkable collection of trees and shrubs. Mount Usher is particularly known for its diverse woody plant collections, including nationally important collections of Eucryphia and Nothofagus.

Throughout the visit, we explored the collections, took plenty of notes and discussed the conservation value of individual specimens, collection management and the challenges involved in maintaining diverse living collections. There was also, of course, plenty of time to simply admire some of the beautiful and unusual trees and shrubs growing throughout the garden.

Importantly, the day also gave us time to discuss how we teach conservation horticulture to our students. Bringing together expertise from Trinity, Trinity College Botanic Garden and the National Botanic Gardens allowed us to exchange ideas around practical teaching, the use of living collections, and how we can give students a better understanding of the role gardens and horticulture can play in plant conservation.

A very inspiring day, and a great opportunity to connect horticultural practice, plant conservation and teaching in one of Ireland’s most remarkable gardens.

A huge thank you to Seán Heffernan and the Mount Usher team for welcoming us and sharing their knowledge and experience.