Impressions of Ireland

Ive just returned from my first ever visit to Ireland where I loved the landscape but in general found the gardens very disappointing. It may just have been the area we visited the south west or it may have been the general view that theres no point in trying to compete with the surrounding natural beauty, but Im not sure that vast stretches of tarmac and grass enhance the countryside. When I asked why it is so ubiquitous, the general opinion was that many of the owners come from farming families and take the view that now that they no longer need to grow things for their survival, they have no interest in growing anything for pleasure.