Garden Digest: February events for your spring diary

Snowdrops are the theme of the season

An extensive snowdrop collection is available to view in Shankill Castle each weekend throughout February.

• The 12th 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].
• For Carlow, February is Snowdrop Month. An Gairdín Beo in Carlow town centre celebrates snowdrops during various art forms on Saturday, February 24, an extensive snowdrop collection is available to view in Shankill Castle each weekend in February and the gardens at Burtown House feature an equally impressive collection of snowdrops and will open every Wednesday to Sunday during the month.

• Snowdrop Garden Visit to Hester Forde’s garden, Coosheen, Glounthaune. Co. Cork takes place on Saturday, February 3, from 11am to 1pm. Booking is essential; €20 per person. Tea/coffee on arrival, 11am; guided tour, 11.30am. This “must-see” garden has a spectacular collection of spring flowers, a notable snowdrop collection and is a master class in how to create interest and variety in a suburban garden. Described by Shirley Lanigan as “nothing short of a tour de force.” Hester will also talk about trees in the garden and how we prune and use them in a small space. See www.rhsi.ie for details.
• A Snowdrop Garden Open Day in aid of the Cork University Hospital charity at Bride Park Cottage in Killumney, Co Cork (P31 VW52), on February 18 from 11am to 5pm. The event will include plant sales, antique sales and a raffle. Entry is €10. Tea/coffee and light refreshments will be served.

• 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 choosing the right polytunnel and will focus on design, dimensions and construction and ensuring your investment aligns perfectly with your goals. It's €80 to take part. Visit giy.ie for details.
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