The Watergarden, Thomastown

A personal favourite, this small garden is managed and staffed by the residents of Camphill, a movement composed of individuals, many with special needs, who live together in a mutually supportive environment.

Smaller and more low key than many of the others we list, it has a beauty and charm all of its own

The garden is built on the banks of a river, a small tributory of the River Nore, with a nicely planted gravel pathway running along its bank and various different areas including a lawned garden with lovely perennial borders and a paved area with raised beds and a water feature just outside the restaurant.

A river runs along the bottom of the garden, which water fowl kept by the community enjoy.

This lovely, peaceful, place is run on biodynamic principles, which basically means organic and then some!

Biodynamic gardeners use no synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides and in addition recognises the importance of, and encourages, balance between plants, animals and micro organisms in keeping an environment healthy and thriving.

The pioneer of this type of gardening was Rudolf Steiner, the well-know educationalist.

The adjoining restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a home cooked lunch or snack in friendly surroundings and much of the food you will eat has been grown by the Community in their gardens at nearby Jerpoint.

There is also a small garden centre, where you can purchase plants.

I will now just casually add that all the photos on this page were all taken by my son when he was just 6 years old. *Bursts with pride*!

Visiting the Watergarden

The watergarden is open every day from 9am to 5pm. It is a very popular place for lunch locally, so if you plan to eat there, and you should, either get there early or avoid at lunchtime.

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