In My Father’s Footsteps: A Magnolia Afternoon with Elmer Dool | Mother’s Day Weekend

In My Father’s Footsteps: A Magnolia Afternoon with Elmer Dool

Mother’s Day Weekend

• Saturday, 14th March | 12:00 noon | Talk Duration: 1.5 hours
• Ambrose Room, West Wing, Mount Congreve House

Join us at Mount Congreve Gardens for a rare and intimate afternoon with renowned horticulturist Elmer Dool, as he reflects on the life and legacy of his father, Herman Dool – the visionary Garden Director who, working alongside Ambrose Congreve, shaped Mount Congreve over four transformative decades.

Through personal stories, professional insight and a lifetime immersed in plantsmanship, Elmer will share how Dutch nursery traditions from Boskoop were woven into the Irish landscape, helping create one of Europe’s most significant and structured plant collections.

The talk takes place at the height of magnolia season, when the gardens are at their most spectacular. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the magnificent Magnolia campbellii and other celebrated specimens in full bloom – a fitting tribute to Herman Dool’s enduring horticultural influence.

This special event complements the exhibition Herman Dool – The Making of a Great Garden, honouring the remarkable legacy of a master plantsman whose contribution to international horticulture was recognised by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

With Mother’s Day the following day, this event offers a thoughtful and enriching weekend experience – the perfect gift for garden lovers and those who appreciate heritage, beauty and living history.

What to Expect

• The talk begins promptly at 12:00 noon and will last approximately 1.5 hours.
• Please arrive at the Welcome Desk in Mount Congreve House at least 10 minutes prior to the start time.
• This is a seated talk in the Ambrose Room and can be combined with garden entry. Please note this is not a guided garden tour.
• Elmer will conclude the afternoon with a Q&A session, giving guests the opportunity to ask questions.

Ticket Types

You may choose:

Talk Only Ticket – access to the seated lecture with slide show

Talk + Garden Entry Ticket – includes full access to the gardens and access to the new Herman Dool.

Your ticket is valid for the entire day. You are welcome to:

• Visit the gardens before or after the talk
• Exit to the café and return to the gardens

Please note: Gardens close strictly at 4:00pm.

Ticket Options

Talk + Garden Entry

Adult – €20
Senior/Student – €18
Member – €11 supplement
RHSI – €14

Talk Only

General – €14
Member – €11

All tickets are non-refundable.
Advance booking strongly recommended. Limited capacity and we cannot guarantee seating on the day.

Book here.