Mrs Jessie Mahaffy's Garden
Established in 1972 by Mrs Jessie Mahaffy, a relative of William Robinson and a granddaughter of the forester at Lissadell, Co Sligo, Blackrock is a garden constructed completely upon rock. A charming rockery sits above the farmhouse. A grassy corridor winds between a shrubbery and a shady border to a small cottage garden where perennials are interspersed with free-seeding aquilegias, foxgloves and yellow poppies. Tree lilies are a feature amongst hydrangeas. Ferns abound in the shady areas. A drought resistant mini meadow and a dry border flourish in the gravel of the yard. This delightful cottage garden has a timeless quality about it, slowly evolving over the years, carefully tended and planted with flowers from garden friends near and far.
Admission: Donation to Lifford Community Hospital/Medecins Sans Frontiere
Directions: 2km outside Lifford on the N14, take the R 265 to St Johnston. Pass yellow council cottages on left (about 1km). The garden is 5th house on left after this at the beech tree, black gates and white-washed walls. Parking on side of road outside 3rd or 4th house.