Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

There are 165 million frogs in Ireland and they feed on slugs and flies 

Take a look at the events, shows, tours and online resources available over the next week and month

From free gardening packs to new movies and virtual baking classes, we round up the best ways to pass the time during the school break 

It's that time of year when we are looking to expand our indoor living space outwards

We check out the garden visits, tours, fairs and online resources available now and in coming weeks

"We depend on plants for every mouthful of food we eat and every lungful of air we breathe"

There was much to overcome logistically in transporting hundreds of plants to the UK in the midst of Brexit and a pandemic

— plus series finale of Aussie comedy drama Five Bedrooms

— The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis is on Virgin Media One this evening

Plus Ireland's Garden Heroes; and Suranne Jones in I Am Victoria

— plus a look at a new synthetic drug, 100 times stronger than heroin, that is killing more than gun crime, homicide and car accidents combined

Hugh Finlay devoted his life to his loved ones, but spent his final day on earth enjoying the simple pleasures of life. As his son says: 'Way to go, Dad'

Budding GIY'ers urged to join first Getting Ireland Growing Day

As the Bloom festival gets into full flow — albeit virtually — Gary Graham, Bord Bia Bloom show manager, shares his thoughts on the physical and mental health benefits of gardening

While people can’t obviously come together physically to celebrate Ireland's five-day flower, food and family festival, they can take part via a series of virtual initiatives and events

I do not have a ‘gadget dad’, but I’m mildly envious of the people, whoever they are, that do; and my father does not only not garden, he is proud of not-gardening

The weather may be changeable but there's still a lot that can be done in gardens. Check out two guides on salad and veg crops 

— there are 50,000 free food growing kits to be given away

Adrian Dunbar's own wife finds it hilarious that Superintendent Ted Hastings is a sex symbol

When a bunch of red roses just won't cut it

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

QuestionPlease can you advise me of the names of colourful shrubs that I can plant between common trees in our garden? We are making fairy paths and would like some colour. Many thanks.

Caroline Delaney has advice on how to turn that ‘yarden’ into the garden of your dreams.

Gardening with children is fun but don’t believe all you see on social media, says Esther N McCarthy.

Experienced container gardener Dermot Ahern shares practical advice.

Want to know the plants from the weeds? Let Peter Dowdall take you by the hand

What's not to love about Super Garden contestant Fran Byrne's approach to life, asks Eve Kelliher

With so many taking their first tentative steps down the gardening superhighway during the lockdown and developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world all around us, it’s time to have a look at some of the basics.

No better time than now to put your green fingers to the test, says Peter Dowdall

Wearing gloves when out in public has become more prevalent and so has pulling them on in the garden during lockdown, writes Ray Ryan

We are all slowing our pace and appreciating the wonders around us, says Peter Dowdall

Make a splash and create your own wildlife pond, Kya deLongchamps shows you how

Garden centres and hardware stores are allowed to re-open next week provided they can allow for correct physical distancing. Peter Dowdall has advice on what to look out for

If ever there was a time to support local growers, this is it, says Peter Dowdall

Lockdown means we stop and appreciate what's happening around us, says Peter Dowdall

Eve Kelliher talks to Keith Barry about life in lockdown, from gardening to teaching everyone new tricks

Well-chosen flowers and shrubs willrequire little or no maintenance, says Peter Dowdall

Are you and your family venturing into the room outside? Peter Dowdall has some useful advice.

Keeping plants like lupins and delphiniums happy now will pay off this summer, says Peter Dowdall

People have been urged to avoid putting any additional pressure on healthcare workers by being careful when carrying out DIY or gardening chores during the coronavirus pandemic.

Spring is here and with it every reason to get out of the house and start planting veggies with the children. No garden? Not to worry, a large flower pot or plastic tub will produce plenty of edible greens. Helen O’Callaghan reports