Put some spring in your step

A scene from the very successful Mallow Homes and Garden Show, which has now become a premier show-garden event, featuring permanent displays, free seminars, and rare plant sales.

I DEFY anyone, even die-hard old gardeners, not to be moved by the utterly ravishing newness of January! Those who don’t garden may know it as the month of aches and pains, sniffles and catarrh, but in my book it’s the ‘New Year Gate’ which opens to let in the lengthening daylight. One could admire from the window, the remains of our late lamented summer — or, the reluctant gardener could take note of the many flower shows, seminars and open garden events marked in for the months ahead. This morning I outline a few for your perusal.

SEMINAR; Snowdrops and other Spring Treasures is the title of one-day seminar to be held at Sandbrook House, one mile from Altamont Gardens, Co Carlow on Saturday February 4, beginning at 9.30am with registration, tea coffee and biscuits. The first lecture entitled From Old to Gold will be given by Alan Street of Avon Bulbs, to be followed by Richard Bramley of Farmyard Nurseries (Wales) who will give an illustrated presentation on Heavenly Hellebores. After lunch at Sandbrook, Jim Almond will speak on Special Snowdrops and How to Keep Them before the group visits nearby Altamont Gardens to view the snowdrops and other spring bulbs with Paul Cutler (head gardener). Early booking is advisable. Contact Hester at 086-8654972 or Robert at 087-9822135.