Seakale – good enough to eat!

Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden

Sea Kale

Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.

Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)

Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.

Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.

Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.

In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.

Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.

Growth & Maintenance Tips

Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:

1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.

2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.

3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.

4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇

5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens

With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!

Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.

Happy Gardening!

Ciaran

Seakale – good enough to eat!

Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden

Sea Kale

Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.

Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)

Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.

Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.

Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.

In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.

Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.

Growth & Maintenance Tips

Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:

1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.

2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.

3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.

4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇

5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens

With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!

Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.

Happy Gardening!

Ciaran

Seakale – good enough to eat!

Delving into the Details of Crambe maritima: A Unique Addition to Your Garden

Sea Kale

Hello gardeners, I’m thrilled to bring another engaging plant highlight from the garden here at The Paddock. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating details of the Crambe maritima, commonly known as Sea Kale. Not only does this little-known plant exude charm and quirkiness, but it also packs a punch when it comes to resilience and adaptability, making it a perfect component in many garden landscapes.

Plant Profile: Crambe maritima (Sea Kale)

Hardiness: Rated for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) hardiness zones H7—meaning it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F)— Sea Kale is a robust vegetable that can handle fairly harsh winter climates.

Size: On maturity, Sea Kale typically reaches a height of about 75cm (approx. 30 inches) with a similar spread, or more . A well-grown plant makes an impressive spectacle with its hefty flower stems rising above the broad, wavy-edged leaves, the flowers are also sweetly scented.

Blooming Season: The plant flower spikes shoot up around May and June a standing high above the foliage and covered in an array of honey-scented, white blossoms, adding an ethereal charm to your garden.

In June, it was the standout plant in The Pylon Garden.

Edible: the new shoots are edible, traditionally in coastal areas where it grows naturally, people would mound stone around the emerging shoots to exclude light, forcing the stems to elongated and remain tender. The flower buds can also be eaten and taste very similar to broccoli.

Growth & Maintenance Tips

Sea Kale, although it can be robust and hardy, still requires a touch of tender care to ensure its optimal growth. Below are some tips to help you on your Sea Kale nurturing journey:

1. Soil Conditions: This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH for optimal growth. Consider testing your soil’s pH balance and amend it accordingly to suit the plant’s needs.

2. Watering: Sea Kale can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Still, it’s important during the plant’s formative years to maintain consistent watering, being careful not to overwater and risk root rot.

3. Fertilizing: To assist with robust growth, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in the early spring. This will provide your Sea Kale with all the essential nutrients it needs to bloom.

4. Pruning: It’s good practice to cut back flower stems after blooming to prevent self-seeding, unless you wish for it to proliferate. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or broken leaves to maintain overall plant health. See the video below👇

5. Wintering: Sea Kale is known for its hardiness, it will over winter easily in Irish gardens

With these exciting details at heart, it’s time to take action and bring this unique, charming vegetable to your garden!

Stay connected with us for more handy tips, plant profiles, and the joy of gardening. If you have any queries or gardening anecdotes to share, don’t think twice—I’m here to learn and assist, taking the richness of the garden escapade to new heights.

Happy Gardening!

Ciaran

Adding Winter Brilliance to Your Garden: Discover Colourful Foliage and Majestic Stems

Winter Brilliance

Winter, often perceived as a season of slumber and desolation in the garden, need not be drab and unexciting. With the right plants, your garden or pots can come alive with vibrant colours, shapes, and textures. Today, we’ll explore the dazzling beauty of Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’, Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’, and Mahonia x media ‘Charity’, illustrating how each can add splendid winter interest to Irish gardens.

Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ – A Thrill of Winter Colours


The Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ is a remarkable plant, renowned for its spectacular winter foliage. The leaves transition from a ripe summer plum to a rich palette of fiery reds, purples, and pinks as colder weather sets in. This architectural plant grows to around 90cm-1.2m (3-4ft) in height and has a spread of about 45-60cm (1.5-2ft). It has an RHS hardiness rating of H1C, implying it thrives in heated greenhouses where minimum temperatures do not drop below 5°C. Though generally it can be grown outdoors in milder parts of Ireland in sheltered parts of the garden in Ireland, ‘Charlie Boy’ can thrive in pots and conservatories and can bring a stunning burst of winter colour to your patio and outdoor dining spaces.

Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ – A Spectacle of Stripes

Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, with its arching yellow-green leaves with bold, creamy yellow stripes, lends a warm wave of colour to winter gardens. This robust New Zealand native can reach a height of about 1.5m (5ft) and a spread of 1m (3.3ft) in ideal conditions, showcasing its bright, striped leaves year-round. It is rated by the RHS as H4, indicating hardiness to temperatures as low as -10°C to -5°C. Well-draining soil, full sun, or partial shade all contribute to the flourishing of Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, making it an exquisite choice for Irish gardens and patios.

Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ – Adding Winter Depth with Bark and Stems

Also known as the Coral Bark Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ is an exceptional winter plant with its blush coral bark that stands out against the snow. The slender, gracefully arching stems shimmer with a glow enhanced by winter sunlight, reaching a height and spread of around 6m (20ft) respectively. Rated H5 by the RHS, the ‘Sangokaku’ is hardy to temperatures dropping to -15°C. An added advantage is its stunning leaf colour transformation – from yellow-green in spring, to soft green in summer, and fiery gold in autumn. The sharp colours of the Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ make it an asset to any Irish garden landscape, demanding admiration even in winter.

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ – Delightfully Scented Winter Blooms

Lastly, the evergreen Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ offers a gorgeously scented display of bright, golden-yellow flowers, forming in erect racemes from late autumn through winter. Growing up to a height of 4m (13ft) and spread of 2.5m (8.2ft), this hardy plant (RHS H5) bears pinnate, glossy, dark green leaves which provide an alluring backdrop to the vibrant flowers. Well-suited to the damp Irish winters, this Mahonia species is perfect for shady spots and looks spectacular when underplanted with spring flowering bulbs.

With considered plant choices, you can embrace the challenge of winter gardening and transform it into an opportunity to showcase dynamic colours and textures. By adding Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’, Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’, and Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ to your garden or conservatory, you’ll enjoy a vibrant encore of nature in the midst of winter, even in the Irish chill.

I hope that you find some inspiration here.

Enjoy your gardens…

Ciaran

Amazing, awesome and astounding, meet Sempervivum

Sempervivum

Glamorous Geometry: Admiring the Amazing Shapes of Sempervivums

Sempervivums, colloquially known and adored as “hens and chicks”, offer more than just a quaint charm to our gardens. These endearing succulents are a spectacular exhibit of the geometrical exquisiteness that nature hides in plain sight. Today, we explore the intriguing shapes of these incredibly hardy plants and discuss practical tips to cultivate them in your Irish garden.

Sempervivums are valued for their rosettes’ architectural allure. Stemming from the Latin, sempervivum translates to ‘always alive,’ a testament to their resilient nature. The rosettes exhibit an almost-alien beauty, with each leaf perfectly arranged in a spiral pattern that emerges from the center, reaching outwards to form a symmetrical arrangement. Ranging in diameter from just 1 cm (0.4 inches) to over 20 cm (about 8 inches), these rosettes can emerge in a spectrum of colors, from hypnotic greens to striking purples, offering a stunning visual treat.

The Sempervivum’s ‘Chick Charms Series’ garners particular appreciation for their radiant hues and unmatched shape variety. Each member of this series presents a distinct charm, captivating eyes, and hearts alike with their vivid tones and enchanting shapes. From the captivating reds of ‘Bing Cherry’ to the magical golds of ‘Gold Nugget’, Chick Charms capture a captivating harmony of form and colour.

A fascinating feature of Sempervivums is their ability to produce offsets, or ‘chicks,’ around their base. These chicks eventually root into the surrounding soil, forming a new, independent rosette, contributing to a constant cycle of rebirth and growth. This trait allows Sempervivums to self-propagate and create enchanting colonies in garden spaces.

Considering the cultivation aspects, Sempervivums have a certain toughness to them. They are drought-tolerant, a quality making them incredibly suitable for Irish gardens, where watering can sometimes be irregular due to weather variations. Sempervivums are also quite frost tolerant, proudly boasting a Royal Horticultural Society hardiness rating of H5. This means they can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), making them a brilliant choice for gardeners encountering harsh winters.

Plant them in a well-drained sandy or gritty compost to avoid waterlogging and situate them where they can enjoy full sun to light shade. Remember, they adore the sun and cope well with cold, but prolonged wet conditions aren’t their cup of tea.

In their compelling rosette shapes, radiant spectrum of colors, and simple cultivation requirements, Sempervivums embody the gracious grandeur of nature’s simplicity. Their delightful blend of beauty and resilience makes them an irresistible addition to any garden, particularly for those gardening under Ireland’s charismatic skies.

As we continue to explore the awe-inspiring world of plants, the exciting complexities hidden in their simple forms never cease to amaze. Stay on this green journey with us as we unravel more wonderful secrets from nature’s grand tapestry. Remember, every plant holds a story to tell and a lesson to share.

Ciaran

Winter containers plants are forever

Winter colour forever

Brightening Up Winter: The Perfect Pots with Splendid Plants

Hey there green thumbs,

Despite the chill in the air that makes us want to bury ourselves under cosy quilts, winter can, in fact, be a charming season for gardening too! This blog post is here to guide you on creating the perfect winter pot featuring some frost-resistant champions.

We’re working with: Ilex ‘Ilex Maid’, Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Cameleon’, Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’, Calocephalus brownii, and Erysimum cheiri ‘Sugar Rush’. While these names might sound like tongue twisters, trust me, their beauty and resilience to winter frost are worth their tongue-twisting monikers.

Let’s get our hands dirty!

1. Preparing the Pot

Start by choosing a pot that’s a minimum of 30 cm or 12 inches in diameter. The aim is to give these plants some room for growth. Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent any water logging in the cold months.

Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Cameleon’

2. Plant Arrangement


Our first plant, the Ilex ‘Ilex Maid’, will act as the ‘focus’ in our pot. This holly plant will provide height and structure to the combination. It was berried when I first planted it, but the birds ate them all during a week of cold weather!

The  Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’, and Erysimum cheiri ‘Sugar Rush’ will act as the ‘fillers’. These evergreens provide lush and colourful foliage which gives our pot its body.

Finally, Calocephalus brownii, the silver bush, and Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Cameleon’, function as the ‘spillers’. With their colourful foliage they will spill over the edge of the pot, providing a contrast against the vibrant greens and dark tones of the other plants.

Silver foliage of Calocephalus

3. Planting


I started by placing the Ilex ‘Ilex Maid’ at the back of the pot. Now, surround it with your trio of fillers: Trachelospermum, Skimmia, and Erysimum (I included two). Pack them close to each other around the Ilex, adjusting as needed for balance.

Lastly, the final spiller (Calocephalus) near the edge of the pot. It will grow and cascade over the sides, providing an aesthetically pleasing frame. It’s essential to remember to plant the roots of each plant in soil no deeper than the level they were growing at in their initial pots.

4. Aftercare


Our newly planted pot will require watering only occasionally in winter, maybe once a week throughout spring, especially during dry spells. The aim is not to let the soil dry out completely but also not to overwater and risk root rot.

All these plants can be planted in the garden
Calocephalus brownii
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
Trachelospermum jasminoides ‘Cameleon’

Winter Plants Forever

Now, here’s the fantastic part! Not only do these plants provide a delightful winter spectacle, but when the seasons shift and it’s time to redo your pots for the summer, these plants can be planted out in the garden. Getting the most out of your plants? Yes, please!

So there you have it, friends! The perfect winter pot.  Through this enjoyable process, I hope you’ve learned that even in the bleak winter, our pots can be a riot of colour. Warm gloves, warm tea, and we’re ready to garden!

Remember, every day is a wonderful day to get your hands dirty. Happy planting!

Cheers,
Ciaran

The Radiant Dash of Winter Bloomers: My Top 5 December Flowering Shrubs @ The Paddock

Winter Bloomers

The glory of a garden isn’t truly diminished by the hush of winter when you have winter flowering shrubs to light up the frigid landscape with their captivating colors. As the vibrant leaves of autumn flutter to the ground, we’re introduced to the stark beauty of winter: stark branches, crisp air, and the allure of snow.

However, when your garden is graced with the right shrubs, winter can become a season of charming color bursts and breathtaking floral displays. Here, we’ll explore five such shrubs.

1. Correa ‘Marion’s Marvel’

A stunning hybrid Correa, ‘Marion’s Marvel’ is a truly marvelous Australian fuchsia that blooms from autumn to early spring. As an evergreen shrub known for its resilience in winter, it’s speckled with charming, tubular flowers featuring two-tone colors ranging from dusky pink to a rich coral red. Not only do the attractive, glossy, round leaves serve as a delightful backdrop for the blossoms, but they also attract a variety of birds to your garden swathes.

2. Correa pulchella

Another Australian native, the Correa pulchella, is an attractive, compact shrub perfectly suited for winter landscapes. Often adorning itself with a generous array of colorful bell-shaped flowers, the Correa pulchella is a lovely splash of color when everything else is resting. Flower colors range from pale pink to vibrant red, almost orange, depending on the variety. This hardy shrub is delightfully green throughout the year, providing a stunning contrast against the austere winter blues.

3. Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’

An enchanting addition to any winter garden is the Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’. This variety boasts the unbeatable combination of beautiful foliage, intoxicating fragrance, and a blooming period that starts in winter, lasting well into spring. Known for producing the most scented flowers in the Daphne family, ‘Perfume Princess’ is adorned with an abundance of soft pink blossoms that exude a sweet, exotic perfume, transforming your winter garden into a divine aromatic haven.

4. Viburnum ‘Lisa Rose’

Nothing can quite add a pop of excitement to your winter garden like the ‘Lisa Rose’ Viburnum. This hearty Viburnum variant blooms profusely from late autumn to spring, with clusters of star-shaped flowers brightening up the winter landscape. They slowly transition from a delightful blush pink to white as they mature, creating an eye-catching spectrum of color. With their gentle fragrance and robust resistance to frost, they’re an indispensable addition to any winter garden.

5. Late flowering Hebe seedling

A surprise December bloomer, the late flowering Hebe is a delightful shrub to have for the winter, it started flowering in summer. The Hebe variant with pink flowers and purple new growths adds an extra touch of character and mystery to your winter garden. This evergreen shrub provides an unexpected flourish of bright pink flower spikes interspersed amongst green foliage and deep purple new growth, injecting a dose of bold color to the often monochromatic winter landscape. This seedling started life in a driveway in Wexford from where I dug it up.

Explore these fantastic shrubs and let your garden become a spectacle of colors and life even in the midst of winter. Just imagine stepping out into the frosty morning only to be greeted by a garden bursting with color, fragrance, and unexpected beauty—now that’s a winter spectacle worth cultivating.