Shrub – Ciaran The Gardener

Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ new growth is fabulous

Strawberry Tree – some nice varieties

Arbutus unedo: A Delightful Plant with Vibrant Blooms and Decorative Fruits Arbutus unedo, commonly known as the Strawberry Tree, is a fascinating plant that offers much more than its quirky name suggests. With beautiful flowers, delectable fruits, and several captivating variants, this evergreen plant has established itself as a welcomed addition to gardens around theContinue reading “Strawberry Tree – some nice varieties”

Lemon and Rosemary Tartlets – Recipe

Rosemary is both a handsome shrub for the garden and a delicious flavouring in the kitchen. Rosmarinus officinalis, as it is named botanically is an evergreen shrub that grows to about 1.2 metres (4ft) and produces bright blue flowers in late Spring. Although it was killed by the hard winter a couple of years ago,Continue reading “Lemon and Rosemary Tartlets – Recipe”

Aronia Jam

We walked under the spruce trees, passed the twisted hawthorn and down the slope. The long grass brushed our knees, the mild damp autumn evening surrounded us and calmed our senses. The small river trickled over rocks, a soundtrack to soothe as we walked in to the lower part of the garden. Here trees andContinue reading “Aronia Jam”

Honey Berry, Siberian Blue Berry – Lonicera caerulea var. kamstchatica

This morning before I left to supervise the Royal Horticultural Society examinations taking place in our Galway centre today, I enjoyed a bowl of muesli topped with berries of Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica- it is so uncommon in gardens that there has yet to be a common name adopted for it; honey berry, blue honeysuckle and siberian blueberry. WhateverContinue reading “Honey Berry, Siberian Blue Berry – Lonicera caerulea var. kamstchatica”

Pickled Elder Flower Buds – Recipe

Pickled Elder Flower Buds Elder flowers open in succession, so even now while there are flowers in full bloom there are further flowers still to open. The flower heads when harvested at the green bud stage are delicious pickled, a bit like a substitute for capers. Collecting the flower heads Snap off unopened flower heads.Continue reading “Pickled Elder Flower Buds – Recipe”

Gaultheria berries, some are good to eat

Some G. mucronata berries are quite tasty with some home made yogurt and brown sugar! Or enjoy them as a nice treat when in the garden. It is great to be able to pick a handful of berries and munch them while taking a break from weeding in the garden. The small, narrow, dark evergreenContinue reading “Gaultheria berries, some are good to eat”