Author Archives: Ciaran Burke

5 Autumn blooming Perennials

​​ I originally put together this short video featuring these hardy herbaceous perennials a few weeks ago. They are all still blooming well, thanks in part to the mild weather, no frost as yet. The plants featured were photographed in two locations; our pot garden (Anthemis ‘Sauce Hollandaise, Verbena bonariensis, Erigeron karvinskianus) and where  IContinue reading “5 Autumn blooming Perennials”

Little South African enjoys pot in Ireland

Bulbinella hookeri,  an unassuming clump of short grassy leaders emerged in the centre of the pot in Spring. There is no label, I study the leaves, a minute passes as I try to recollect, then it comes back to me,”the yellow lad from South Africa”. Bulbinella hookeri, the name returns to me, this is aContinue reading “Little South African enjoys pot in Ireland”

Fine foliage

As the blooms open and fade, early summer blooms give way to the later summer show. While the often fleeting beauty of blooms enthrall us, foliage can command our attention over the seasons. New growths of Pieris japonica burn bright and cool to smoldering bronze before the green calm of green returns for winter. InContinue reading “Fine foliage”

Under planting in pots

The space beneath trees and shrubs trained as standards offers the opportunity for gardeners to add an extra layer of colour and interest. In our collection of pots that form our garden, I look upon these spaces with great interest, an opportunity not just to squeeze in more plants, but to select plants that willContinue reading “Under planting in pots”

Getting high in a small garden

I love trees, and the feeling of being surrounded by plants with their cooling foliage is one that stirs something deep within. A gentle stirring, that emulsifies thoughts and emotions into a delicious sweet custard, of serenity and calm. In a small garden, or in our case, a 20square meter piece of hardcore gravel ledContinue reading “Getting high in a small garden”