At least 11 people died and dozens were injured in tornadoes that swept through the Dallas area and caused substantial damage while six people have died in flooding in the US mid-west.

Peter Dowdall on the joys of snowbells, crocus and iris, breaking through the soil in pots and gardens now.

Helen Dillon, the renowned plantswomen, writer, lecturer and broadcaster will give a lecture on gardening to the Cork Literary and Scientific Society on Thursday, January 29, at 8pm in the Crawford Art Gallery, Emmet Place. 

Bandon Flower Club is holding an open work night in The Munster Arms Hotel on Monday, January 19, at 8pm. 

The GIY ‘Get Ireland Growing Fund’ in association with AIB is open for applications but the deadline is nigh — January 23 is the closing date.