In 2001, I set out to create something special at Hunting Brook Gardens. What a privilege it is to share this beautiful place along with my passion and experience with so many other plant and nature lovers from all over the world.
If you’ve been bitten by the gardening bug and you’re ready to be brave and try something different, I’d love to guide you on your own journey of discovery.
My beautiful obsession started as a young boy gardening alongside my mother, Kathleen, who was always a keen gardener.
Leaving school, there was only one career I wanted to pursue so I went to train in the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, based in Glasnevin, Dublin.
Early construction on Hunting Brook
Early construction on the gardens
The house today with gardens in full bloom
Working in the polytunnel
Enjoying the Woodland Gardens with Doris and Billy
Working in the greenhouse
Writing notes with Doris and Billy
Working in the polytunnel
With my qualification in my back pocket, I worked in a number of gardens and nurseries before landing my dream job at Airfield, an estate farm in south county Dublin. Once owned by sisters Letitia and Naomi Overend, the ambition was to transform 38 acres into a visitor destination. I was given free rein and appointed head gardener at the tender age of 21! In bringing this lost Victorian gem back to life, I was given the freedom to hone my skills and find my individual planting style.
After 11 happy years at Airfield, it was time for a new challenge. In 2001, I was very fortunate to secure 20 acres of the family estate to create my very own dream garden here at Hunting Brook Gardens, Co. Wicklow.
In the winter of 2001, my log cabin arrived from Poland, which I now share with my Old English Sheepdog, Doris and long-haired dachshund, Billy. And, in May 2002, the gardens opened to the public for the first time.
This is where I grow and expand my plant collection and share my passion for plants with other fanatics and enthusiasts through my courses, workshops, lectures and tours.
It’s been some journey so far but in lots of ways it feels like the adventure is just beginning!
“To lovely Jimi, words fail me for once. Thank you for being such a huge inspiration and such a giggle. You make me love plants twice as much and all over again”
– Carol Klein
Plants, people, places…
I’ve spent my life discovering stand-out plants. I like to be bold, adventurous and unexpected.
My planting style is creative and unconventional. I don’t play by the rule book.
I grow exotic plants here in Hunting Brook that no one would have imagined possible. I’m always trialing new plants and surprising plant combinations from very different habitats.
People and places are my inspiration. I’ve been so fortunate to have so many influences and mentors throughout my gardening journey. When I’m not in Hunting Brook, I travel all over the world to find plants, meet people and be inspired with fresh ideas.
I love to encourage people who attend my classes to be brave, step out of their comfort zone and have some fun.
I’m not one for standing still. Nothing is ever ‘finished’ in Hunting Brook. It’s a constantly evolving canvas. I like to play with colour, shapes, forms and textures. I love repetition – particularly of strong colours and forms. And, I think about year ‘round interest as every season brings something to the party!
While some areas of Hunting Brook are planned and considered, others are left to Mother Nature to do her thing. Above all else, it’s my connection to the land and deep respect for the spirit of this special place that’s most important.
“A taste for the exotic, a sense of adventure and a willingness to experiment has inspired a devoted plant-hunter to transform 20 acres of Irish farmland into lush garden to showcase his impressive collection. His approach is adventurous, exotic, naturalistic and experimental.”
– Paula Waters, Country Living Magazine, UK
Want to learn more about plants?
Check out my new Membership Programme, Gardening Unlimited where you get full access to all of my online courses, live classes, Q&A sessions and enjoy being part of a community of like-minded plant and garden enthusiasts. And all for an affordable monthly or yearly subscription plan.
Try it for 14 days for just €14!