The soils around Donnybrook tend more to being sandy and give a different character to the gardens. Donnybrook has many orchards that grow stone fruit such as apricots and peaches and the pome fruits of apple and pears. Vineyards produce a range of interesting and good value wines. It is a productive area for plants of all types, including, of course, plants in gardens.
The gable at Hedges (Garden No. 158) in Donnybrook is shown (left) with many roses in bud.