Mount Congreve Gardens unveils Herman Dool Exhibition
Mount Congreve Gardens has officially opened the Herman Dool Exhibition.
The exhibition was officially opened by Her Excellency Maaike van Koldam, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ireland yesterday (Thursday).
The event coincided with the stunning bloom of the renowned magnolias along the Herman Dool walk, which forms a canopy of magnolia blossoms from 250 trees, presenting an extraordinary display unmatched outside of Asia.
[caption id="attachment_2924371" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photos: David Clynch[/caption]
In the early 1960s, Herman Dool took up his position at Mount Congreve and was Garden Director for almost 40 years, creating, with Ambrose Congreve, masterful work on what has been hailed by the Horticultural Society of Massachusetts as “One of the Great Gardens of the World”.
By design, Mr Dool never placed fewer than 25 plants of a variety because, according to him, the mass planting makes the proper statement when the garden matures.
Sara Dolan, CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens, said: “The Herman Dool Exhibition is a celebration of not just a remarkable man, but the extraordinary partnership between Herman and Ambrose. Their combined efforts have left an indelible mark on horticulture, and we are thrilled to honour this legacy. We invite everyone to experience the breathtaking magnolias that truly set Mount Congreve apart.”
Elmer Dool, Herman's son, was present for the official opening said: “To see my father’s commitment to beauty and nature recognised in such a stunning environment is profoundly moving. The legacy he built with Ambrose Congreve is a gift to all who visit. I encourage everyone to come and witness the magnificent magnolias that were so close to his heart.”
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
Photos: David Clynch[/caption]
In the early 1960s, Herman Dool took up his position at Mount Congreve and was Garden Director for almost 40 years, creating, with Ambrose Congreve, masterful work on what has been hailed by the Horticultural Society of Massachusetts as “One of the Great Gardens of the World”.
By design, Mr Dool never placed fewer than 25 plants of a variety because, according to him, the mass planting makes the proper statement when the garden matures.
Through a rich array of artefacts, visitors will gain insight into Herman’s life and legacy. Highlights include early photographs from Boskoop, the Netherlands, where Herman’s love for plants ignited, alongside his personal diaries of the garden, educational certificates, and tools of the trade, such as his grafting knives which he used daily during his time shaping and creating what Mount Congreve Gardens is today.
Sara Dolan, CEO of Mount Congreve Gardens, said: “The Herman Dool Exhibition is a celebration of not just a remarkable man, but the extraordinary partnership between Herman and Ambrose. Their combined efforts have left an indelible mark on horticulture, and we are thrilled to honour this legacy. We invite everyone to experience the breathtaking magnolias that truly set Mount Congreve apart.”
Elmer Dool, Herman's son, was present for the official opening said: “To see my father’s commitment to beauty and nature recognised in such a stunning environment is profoundly moving. The legacy he built with Ambrose Congreve is a gift to all who visit. I encourage everyone to come and witness the magnificent magnolias that were so close to his heart.”
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
