Garden Digest: Winter events to make the most of rooms outside

Check out all the garden visits, tours, talks, campaigns and online resources for the room outside

Snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis. 

Each year the horticulture students at National Learning Network, Bantry, produce a horticulture-themed calendar in aid of charity. The calendar this year features photographs of produce/artwork produced by the students during the gardening year. The calendar costs €10 and is available from NLN, Bantry (087-6023183), and from retail outlets in Bantry town. Please support it if you can.

The annual Snowdrop Gala and Other Spring Treasures 2024 takes place on Saturday, January 27, at Ballykealey House, Ballon, Co Carlow, R93A9K1. The speakers are Steve Edney, former head gardener at The Salutation and Canterbury Cathedral and the owner of No Name Nursery, and Michael Dreisvogt, director of Park Härle Arboretum in Bonn, Germany. For further information send an email to [e-mail].

The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland will host a gardening event over Zoom on January 17 from 7.30pm to 9pm. Paul Smyth will discuss snowdrops and other spring flowers. See www.rhsi.ie for more details.

The Grow It Yourself (GIY) organisation is running a course on polytunnel growing on February 18 delivered by head grower Richard Mee. He will teach participants all there is to know when it comes to choosing the right polytunnel and will focus on design, dimensions and construction and ensuring your investment aligns perfectly with your goals. Cost €80. Visit www.giy.ie for details.