Welcoming the New Year in Your Garden

As the sun dips below the horizon, transforming the sky into a canvas of twinkling stars, your garden becomes a magical setting for an enchanting night picnic. The allure of dining al fresco takes on a new dimension when the moon casts its gentle glow on nature's stage. This celestial soiree explores the art of crafting an unforgettable night picnic under the stars, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary.

The colors chosen in the planning of a garden are very much a matter of personal taste but there are particularly pleasing combinations.

The fall is the perfect time to plant garlic in your garden. Compared to spring-planted garlic, fall garlic produces larger bulbs, matures earlier, and often has fewer disease problems. Additionally, certain types of garlic, mainly hard-neck types like Rocambole, will not mature in time from spring planting.

The news has been awash with UK Environment Secretary Owen Paterson’s issues in relation to the badger cull. There has been fierce opposition to this issue. No one seems certain whether this strategy will help make a positive impact on the reduction of bovine tuberculosis in cattle. With fierce protests and ongoing issues yet to be resolved, it seems this is far from over.

As a kid, I remember the magic of seeing clouds of fireflies on a warm summer night. Nowadays, I get excited if I see one or two floating around our yard. Also called lightning bugs, these special little insects are an important indicator of environmental health. And they’re also good for our gardens. So, how does a gardener support them? What do lightning bugs eat? What’s the difference between lightning bugs and fireflies? What about glow-worms? (Are those even a thing?!) It’s easy to find confusing or conflicting information about these bioluminescent marvels online. In this article, I’m going to share some tips on what these special creatures need to survive, how we can help sustain them, and why we should make the effort.

Courtesy of White Flower Farm

Winter brings with it a unique charm, transforming our surroundings into a serene winter wonderland. While the traditional notion of barbecues may seem reserved for warmer months, the prospect of a winter BBQ adds a delightful twist to the culinary experience. Picture this: a snowy landscape, the crisp winter air, and the enticing aroma of grilling delicacies. Winter BBQs not only defy the norms but elevate the outdoor dining experience to new heights.

Living deep in the Irish countryside as I do, surrounded by a centuries-old patchwork of farm fields, hedgerows and leafy pockets of ancient native woodland, a clear winter night sky is a thing of profound beauty. It is filled with the otherworldly shimmer of a host of constellations, familiar to me from my childhood.

Transform your living space into a lush oasis with the allure of large houseplants, breathing life and vibrancy into your home. These botanical giants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Dive into the world of verdant luxury as we explore the top 5 impressive large indoor plants that can be the statement piece your home deserves.

January is a time for starting anew and planning for spring. Take notes and plan what you will do once spring weather arrives. Will you plan to add more flowering plants to attract pollinators? Or will you plan to grow a summer vegetable garden? The possibilities are endless, but no matter what you hope to achieve in 2024, pull out your garden journal and make notes on how to make your plans a reality.

There are lots of words that Irish gardeners could use to sum up the year that was 2023. “Wet” is certainly high on the list, given the record levels of rainfall experienced in most parts of the country from late summer onwards as well as the badly waterlogged state of many soils.

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. Maybe they motivate you each year, or maybe you think, “Why bother?”. Studies show that by the end of January, over 40% of those who made resolutions at the start of the new year quit. There are many reasons for backing out on a new goal- life changes, unrealistic expectations, and lack of accountability, just to name a few. However, following a few simple strategies when creating and implementing resolutions can make you more likely to achieve your goals this New Year.