Fireblight

Two of the photographs above are of a collection of Sorbus trees that I had in my garden. They are now nothing but a pile of ashes. The sorbus you see are members of the rosaceae or rose family – the most of which are susceptible to a disease known as fireblight.
The first thing I [...]

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How To Stake And Strap A Tree

Following the pictures above…..

tree stake at the ready… place the stake [generally] 3 fingers width from the base of the tree and 2 fingers width from the top. Once you have your position correct… push it in slightly.
A tree stake pounder [the yellow object in the photographs] is preferable although you can use a sledge [...]

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Leucospermum cordifolium x glabrum

I was blown away when I saw this plant displayed at The Cape Garden Centre.
I have seen these guys before… but they are very much a rarity, in Ireland anyway and moreso in such abundance.
The Leucospernum, commonly known as the pincushion, Protaeaceae, is a genus of about 47 species of evergreen shrubs. What is amazing about [...]

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Cape Garden Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

Whilst building the garden in the Wallacedene Township in South Africa, I would first like to note that I was a part of a team. A very large team. And I simply played a part.
To that there where so many really good people I met out there. One in particular was a really good guy [...]

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Ever Wondered What It Takes To Grow A Plant…?

October Bank Holiday Weekend, I went to Kilkenny. I had so much to do….
On my agenda was to meet my good friend & plant inventor Pat Fitzgerald.
I had interviewed Pat for the blog before. I had also worked with Pat on so many of my projects and gardens… but I’d never seen his nursery. The place, his [...]

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