Members' outing on Saturday 9th May 2009 to Hunting Brook Gardens, June Blake's Garden and Russborough House

Hunting Brook: is the home of Jimi Blake, a noted plantsman and designer. The garden reflects Jimi's tastes, his changing interests and his hopes and dreams for a place of sanctuary and inspiration. Jimi also finds time to run educational courses on all aspects of gardening throughout the year.

June Blake is a passionate plants person who owns and runs a garden and nursery which are open to the public. The garden extends to approximately three acres and is located in the grounds of her home. She lives in a Victorian farm steward's cottage and uses the adjoining cut-granite farmyard buildings as her office.

Russborough House Joseph Leeson, the first Earl of Milltown, was a brewer and also a Member of Parliament. He chose the German architect Richard Cassells to design his new home which was built in 1741. Russborough has a spectacular setting and elegant proportions. It is highly ornamental and contains some lavish plasterwork. Sir Alfred and Lady Beit bought Russborough in 1952 having seen an advertisement for it in Country Life magazine. In 1976 Sir Alfred set up the Alfred Beit Foundation, an art foundation and education trust. He opened the house to the public and guided tours were organised. These have continued during the summer months ever since.

If you would like to attend this outing please click here, print out the form and return it to Niall Coulter at the address on the form