A Winter Dream with Whispers of Spring

Another shot of the abundant snowdrops at Altamont Gardens, Co. Carlow.

Altamont is one of the finest examples of "Robinsonian" gardening in Ireland. Named after William Robinson, this style rebelled against the rigid, artificial patterns of Victorian gardens. Instead, it focuses on "wild gardening," where plants are encouraged to naturalise in drifts, mimicking how they would grow in the wild. Looking at how these snowdrops flow around the tree roots, you can really see that philosophy in action.

View fullsize