Definition of a Garden

Today we had a relaxed start to the day, so many of us decided to take advantage of having some time to roam the streets of Cork this morning. A bunch of us went to the local market where there was an abundance of color with the assortment of fruits and vegetables and meats that were for sale. We found some pretty interesting looking items as we wandered around. From there we walked along St. Patrick's St., one of Cork's main streets which has all sorts of stores along it and did some window shopping and stepping into a few of the stores.

Beth, Liz, and Stephanie trying on some headbands!

The first garden of the day was actually a private residence called the Lakemount Garden. The garden was started in the late 1940's- early 1950's by the mother of the gentleman who gave us the tour of the place and was very natural feeling as the garden was never actually planned out but instead grew and expanded over the years. There was a large variety of color in the garden which I loved and made for some great photos! The natural feel of the place also gave a greater sense of being able to just wander through the garden, there was no set path you were meant to take, which added to the pleasant and relaxed feel of the garden. It also had a nice mix of open grassy areas surrounded my flowers and other areas which were more secluded due to the density of the plants.

Payton at the Lakemount Garden!

The next place we went to was Ballymaloe Gardens. This was a different type of garden than we have been to so far. Rather than being a pleasure garden this one was a working garden that was part of a culinary school. So nearly everything growing the gardens were ingredients to be used in the school. They had everything from apple and peach trees, various types of lettuce and cabbage, mint plants, and even an entire herb garden. Needless to say that this garden was a different experience compared to the others we have seen and brought up the question about what a garden was. After an enjoyable afternoon at the Ballymaloe gardens we headed back to Cork and most everyone is currently napping, catching up in there journals, or out shopping. We are meeting up in a little bit to go get some grub and then hang out and enjoy our last night in Cork!

The herb garden!

P.S. The cat sleeps at midnight!