Discover the remarkable story of Billy Alexander and the creation of a truly unique garden on Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. From the restoration of a once-derelict historic house and overgrown woodland to a flourishing haven of rare tree ferns, exotic plants, art and adventure, this book charts a journey driven by passion, determination and discovery.
Beautifully rooted in the landscape of County Kerry, it tells the story of a garden transformed, the plants and people encountered along the way, and the extraordinary vision that brought it all to life.
For information on pre-orders contact unfurling@kellsbay.ie
We despatch our orders through courier service once a week.
Our mail order service is only available on the island of Ireland.
Ireland
Standard Mail Order: €25
Delivery cost is €25 for each parcel up 120cm x 70cm x 70cm and maximum weight of 30 kilograms.
Oversize Mail Order: €40
Delivery cost is €40 for each parcel up 220cm x 70cm x 70cm and maximum weight of 30 kilograms.
Heavy Orders: €100
For plants that are too heavy (combined order >30kg) to send via courier we can organise delivery of these orders by trolley using a dedicated horticultural transport company.
A trolley can take many heavy plants, each trolley costs €100.
You can also order plants in person when you visit our Plant Centre here at Kells Bay and we will arrange delivery with you.
We also have a ‘Click and Collect’ option for those that may be able to visit us and collect their plants.
Bord Bia Bloom, Dublin
We will once again be exhibiting in Bloom in the Phoenix Park from 29th May to 3rd June. We will gladly bring your order there for collection.
Britain
We regret we cannot send any mail orders to Britain due to plants being prohibited by mail order companies.
However, we do travel to Britain a few times a year to make deliveries, so please let us know if you want to check if you are near an area where we’ll be making a stop.
Email us first at billy@kellsbay.ie to make an enquiry.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London
We return to exhibit at Chelsea this year, from 20th-24th May, so you may even be able to pick up your plants from us there!
France
We regret we cannot send any mail orders to France and the rest of Europe due to plants being prohibited by mail order companies.
We also visit France twice a year, to make deliveries in March and September; via Cherbourg and can deliver plants from the Cherbourg area to Brittany.
Email us first at billy@kellsbay.ie to make an enquiry.
Billy Alexander’s love affair with Kells Bay House and Gardens began over 25 years ago, when he spontaneously followed a signpost on a curved road on the north Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry, to an entrance of stone pillars and rusty iron gates. Beyond was a wilderness of trees and shrubs. Billy had found his new home at this historic house and garden.
Further strengthened was his passion for the various shades found among the garden’s ferns. These ancient plants had captivated his heart as a child and it was from this very garden that, many years previously, he was first introduced to tree ferns. In 2006 Billy purchased Kells Bay House and Gardens and set about its transformation.
is the story of the house and gardens over a period of restoration and revival. Through pure determination and dedication, Billy Alexander has made the house and gardens into a wonderful retreat. Restoration of buildings, walks and plant areas have resulted in a special place, nestled in a valley with a world of wonders to explore. The book is also the story of the trials and tribulations of bringing a dream to fruition, with expeditions to Asia, Africa and South America and some RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals along the way.
is a glimpse into the magic of Kells Bay House and Gardens, the challenges of its revival and the friendships made along the way as the author’s bring Billy’s story to life within its pages. Unfurling is the perfect gift for both gardeners and lovers of beautifully crafted books.
Pre-Order Unfurling, Kells Bay House & Gardens, The Alexander Years
Unfurling will be available in Spring 2027, but you can pre-order at a special pre-publication price of €45 plus postage*, up until 31st December 2026. A wonderful book with stories, images and illustrations, Unfurling is the unique story of Kells Bay House and Gardens. When you pre order the book you will also get your name entered on a dedicated subscribers page in the publication.
A limited number will be available for purchase at an attractive price for those who wish to support the self-publishing endeavour. This limited edition book is a special creation suitable for collectors and also as the perfect gift for the plant and art lover.
With a print run of just 100, this special limited edition also includes, bound into the opening pages, a limited edition original linocut print of Kells Bay House and associated native ferns by specialist print artist Fran Keegan. The book also comes with a bespoke cover and slipcase and is a substantial collector’s item.
Unfurling, Kells Bay House and Gardens, The Alexander Years, Limited Edition
€350
(including post and packaging) to anywhere on the island of Ireland). For international shipping options please contact unfurling@kellsbay.ie
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