I love to take the dog (and myself!) for a walk in the bog when I go and visit my mother-in-law in north Kerry. During the summer months, the place teems with an incredible amount of native plants, insects, and birds. The delicate scent of Meadowsweet as it sways in the wind is one of my favourites. Do you know how to recognise it? Wonder no more!
I was tidying up my little tree nursery last weekend and realised I had a lot of Oak saplings ready to plant up this coming winter. Over the last few years, I have gathered enough acorns to start a small Oak woodland, so I thought I'd help you differentiate between the two predominant species of Oaks in Ireland - the Sessile Oak, and the Pedunculate Oak.
Wild Rose - the scent of Summer in Ireland. But did you know the fruits of this scrambling plant - its hips - contain vitamin C and were encouraged to harvest during trying times? Read on...
The native plant that is Comfrey is much loved by bumblebees and a beneficial plant to have if you grow your own food or just like to pot around in the garden. Read on to find out how to identify Comfrey and use it to your advantage.
Nettle is often associated with nasty rashes but it is a very valuable plant in the garden. Let's spread some love about this misunderstood native plant!
Many would consider this plant a pesky weed, but did you know that this native wildflower was long used as a remedy for skin and wound complaints in the past? Find out more...
Learn to tell the native Bluebell from its Spanish counterpart, the Spanish Bluebell - a species introduced in Ireland as an ornamental plant in gardens, which cross-pollinates with the native species and produces an hybridized offspring, threatening the survival of the native Bluebell in our woodlands.
Many people confuse the true Wild Garlic Ramsons, with a non-native invasive species of Wild Garlic, the Three Cornered Leek. Let's dive into what our native Ramsons look like, and discover what it is good for.
A plant with countless benefits, the Dandelion is a haven for wildlife as it provides food for birds and nectar for insects. But did you know that the plant was pivotal in restoring habitats, and is excellent for the gut flora and to care for minor skin issues?
One of my favourite native trees, let me introduce you to Hazel this week. Not only does it provide tasty treats for us humans in the Autumn and Winter, but have you ever seen its tiny but beautiful pink flower? Come and discover it with me...
Primoses are one of the first native flowers to peak through grass in the Spring. But did you know that you could make delicious things out of them? Read on!
