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In the International Year of Forests, Portach is a space where an integration of sculpture and garden is used to create a sense of discovery and mysticism, inspired by the rare Bog Woodland habitat. When stepping into the space it feels like entering the shelter of a wooded bog, a place where the windy openness of a bog is exchanged for a sense of seclusion and calmness. Portach is reminiscent of the wooded bogs, integrating sculpture and planting to evoke the textures and layers of a bog woodland, whilst still retaining a garden-like essence.

The main sculptural piece is made from bog wood and steel, reflecting the beauty of forms found in nature.  Several pieces of bog wood are stacked centrally to mimic the form of the original trees preceding the bogs. The main sculpture is integral to the rest of the installation representing the keystone nature of woodland habitats and trees themselves.  The metal dome covering the entire space is designed to create a sense of a protected space, similar to the canopy of a tree, where visitors can feel as though they have stepped into a bog woodland dreamscape.

The planting scheme shows ornamentals complementing natives in a way that is inspired by the shapes and textures of a bog woodland. The planting is appropriate for damp spots in the garden and by using natives as well as ornamentals, helps to create beautiful biodiverse gardens.

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Thanks to all our sponsors:

Future Forests
Folium
Ireland's Blue Book
Optigreen
Hanleys Garden Supplies
Hop Island Equestrian Centre
ARKIL Stone
Eithne Carey

Portach Plant List:

Molinia caerulea
Deschampsia cespitosa
Salix purpruea
Astilboides tabularis
Astilbe 'The Professor'
Rodgersia 'Irish Bronze'
Carex brizoides
Calluna vulgaris
Trollius
Iris chrysographes
Vaccinum vitis-idea
Vaccinium oxycoccus
Darmera peltata
Aruncus 'Horatio'

Sanguisorba tenuifolia 'alba'
Astrantia
Geranium 'Bressingham White'
Francoa stonchifolia
Osmunda regalis
Dryopteris pineri
Dryopteris filix-femina
Dryopteris erythrosum
Pinus sylvestris
Filipendula vulgaris
Filipendula ulmaria
Anemonopsis
Saxifraga rotundifolia

Betula pubescens
Betula jacquemontii
Saxifraga cuneifolium
Gallium odorata
Luzula sylvatica
Luzula nivea
Sympolocarpus foetidus
Iris pseudocarus
Ilex
Cercidiphyllum japonica
Medlar germanica
Ligularia