No. 144

Irish Garden Society Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

Our Contributors Contents E Charles Nelson, formerly Brid Kelleher is a leading Taxonimist at the National Botanic arranger, keen gardener and Page 4 Editorial by Mary Montaut Gardens, is a founding member of a member of the National the Society and its first Chairman. Executive Committee. Page 5 2019 AGM Announcement A prolific author, he was awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Paddy Tobin is a retired teacher Page 7 Chairman’s Notes by Billy McCone RHS in 2015. and enthusiastic blogger who gardens near Waterford. He is our Page 8 In the Footsteps of : Brendan Sayers is Glasshouse website manager and a former A adventure, Lectures and Book Launch Foreman at the National Botanic Chairman of the Society. Gardens and long-standing member Page 10 Iris pallida ‘Phylis Moore’ by E. Charles Nelson of the Society. Although a specialist Stephen Butler is the recently and Brendan Sayers in orchids, he has recently developed retired Curator of Horticulture at an interest in breeding daffodils. Dublin Zoo. He is a member of the Page 13 British-Irish Botanical Expedition to National Executive Committee and Tasmania by Seamus O’Brien Seamus O’Brien, Head Gardener spearheads the Society’s activities at the National Botanic Gardens, to propagate and promote Page 20 Remembrance Day at Kilmacurragh Kilmacurragh, is a horticulturist, with Irish associations. by Mary Montaut author and plantsman and has been a member of the Society Page 23 When in Rome by Mary Forrest for many years. Page 26 Irish Heritage Plants Update by Stephen Butler Mary Forest is Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and a former Chairman Page 28 Winter Fragrance by Brid Kelleher of the Society. In the 1980s she prepared an inventory of and Page 30 Worth a Read by Paddy Tobin exotic plant collections in Ireland. Page 33 Two of the Many New Narcissus for 2018 by Brendan Sayers

Cover Photograph by Paddy Tobin Page 34 Around the Regions Iris unguicularis ‘Kilbroney Marble’ Page 40 Dates for your Diary A winter flowering Iris thought to have been introduced by Slieve Donard Nursery, Newcastle, County Down. This is one of the society’s target plants in its conservation programme and we would very much like to hear from any Page 42 Seed Distrubution Scheme by Debbie Bailey member growing this plant. Copy deadline for articles for the Spring 2019 edition will be 15th March 2019

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Editorial 2019 AGM Announcement The Editor is delighted to welcome vulgare) drawn so exquisitely Annual General Meeting May 2019 magazine, shows how well one the Image Library for IGPS, which that you can almost feel the The 2019 AGM will be held this year can manage on a windswept site; is currently in development by down on the ; and a whole in County Tipperary on the weekend the garden, which has stunning Philip Quinlan. We receive so many page of Compositae from dandelion of 18th and 19th May. We will be views, features some beautiful beautiful photographs, we aim to and thistle flower heads, down to based in the beautiful 4* Minella stonework, a lily pond, pergola stock an Image Library with suitable details of their ovaries and calyxes. Hotel in Clonmel, the county town and courtyard garden. photographs for reference/instruction The combination of learning with of Tipperary, on the banks of and pleasure. It seems to me that delight is, I think, exactly what the River Suir. Sunday is a day of contrasts. The these two essentials have always Rousseau had in mind. first garden, just a 10 minute drive been reflected in pictures of plants Clonmel is an historic and attractive from our hotel, could be described once the utilitarian ‘Herbal’ I hope that the IGPS Image Library town. The River Suir has played as a ‘walk on the wild side’ but with its generic woodcuts was will accomplish both of these a big part in its history, especially beautiful. The final visit is to superseded by realistic images. things as well. Of course, although after it was made navigable as far Killurney, a one acre plant-lover’s photographs may be the most as Waterford in the mid 18th century garden with a natural stream, a A while ago, I was lucky enough reliable of records, it is actually allowing large vessels to reach the sunken garden, meandering paths to pick up a copy of Jean- very difficult to make a ‘Plant Portrait’ town. The transport revolutionary, taking you throughout hidden nooks Jacques Rousseau’s Botany: with the camera, I think. I offer this as Charles Biancone, was once Mayor and crannies, and a wonderful array A Study of Pure Curiosity which is a challenge to all IGPS members: see of Clonmel; fittingly there is a of choice plants. Tea/coffee/scones a facsimile of the 1821 edition with if you can conjure up the essential transport museum in the town where will be provided to sustain us on our Redouté illustrations. Rousseau plant for the new Library. The you can explore and learn some journeys home. adored ‘botanising’ and the book, success of botantical artists in this more. At St Mary’s Church, which unpublished in his lifetime, contains work is almost impossible to match, dates back to the early 14th century, Accommodation a series of letters to a young girl I fear - but that is the challenge! We some of the original town walls can Please book directly with the of fifteen (whose ‘intelligence & look forward to collecting a beautiful still be found while other buildings Minella Hotel, Clonmel, telephone judgement were far greater than her and instructive library of images, of note in the town are the Main +353 (052) 612 2388 and mention age, and equal to the excellence of especially of Irish Heritage Plants, Guard, the Town Hall, the Franciscan the IGPS when booking to secure the her heart’ as he wrote to her mother) so remember to bring your cameras Friary and the old Wesleyan discounted rate. A number of rooms to introduce her to the delight of wherever you go. Chapel which now houses are being held for us and will be botany. I enjoyed reading the letters, the White Memorial Theatre. available on a first come first served but the greater pleasure for me basis. NB: the hotel has stated that certainly lies in the beautiful plant Garden Visits it will only take bookings by phone. portraits by Redouté. You most Mary Montaut Our first visit on Saturday is to probably know his famous collection Editor a well-established garden with One night in a double/ twin room of rose portraits. However, this odd fine specimens of small trees and and the Gala dinner: little book of instruction and pleasure flowering ; the current owner €100 per person sharing contains quite superb illustrations has gardened there for some 45 of the commonest of wild : years. The second garden on Two nights B&B as above and one here is Horehound (Marrubium Saturday, Ballyhist House which has Gala Dinner: €150 per person sharing been featured in The Irish Garden

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Chairman’s Notes As we look forward to the promise an enjoyable Open Day and plant of a new year, let’s celebrate what sale in the summer while, at Pogue’s a successful year we have just had. Entry, with extra volunteers and generous funding from Antrim and Our editor, Mary Montaut, Newtownabbey Council, the garden produced four instead of the usual has undergone a marked change. three Newsletters, thanks to Anne James we published the 17th issue Collections of Irish Heritage of Moorea, Paddy Tobin continued Plants (IHPs) have increased to maintain the website keeping at both Blarney Castle Gardens it fresh and up to date while Ali and Glasnevin. Stephen Butler Rochford sent out regular colourful continues to lead the programme and informative ebulletins. to conserve and propagate Irish Minella Hotel, Clonmel cultivars and more members are Over 100 members and guests recording their collections with One night in a single room Further information from igps. enjoyed the AGM weekend, the him while Debbie Bailey has and the Gala dinner: €135 [email protected] or Margaret highest attendance for many years, organised the annual seed exchange. McAuliffe, +353 (0)86 816 6842 or resulting in new committee members Two nights B&B in a single room [email protected] and volunteers coming forward for Membership Secretary Nichola Monk and one Gala dinner: €220 a variety of projects. reports stable numbers of over 500; The Annual General Meeting she is making progress on a new The cost of the AGM Gala dinner The meeting will be held on Saturday The regional organisers treated membership database while Diane for non-residents is €35 morning; attendance at the meeting us to an excellent programme Sprules is preparing the way to move is free to all members but please of talks, plant sales and garden visits. to direct debit payments. Philip Booking the weekend let us know for catering purposes A remarkable amount of hard work Quinlan has developed a prototype The cost of weekend including the if you plan to attend. There are a goes into organising these but, Image Library software package garden visits will be €80. Members number of vacancies coming up on in the autumn, each of the three where we intend to collect and store may bring one guest, guests pay €90. the committee so have a think about committees organised a special quality photographs for use in Bookings will open on February 1st. coming forward to join the team for event to launch the book In the our publications. Please book online if at all possible what willIGPS be a Newsletterbusy and exciting time Footsteps of Joseph Dalton January 2019 as it greatly reduces the workload as we approach our 40th anniversary Hooker by our long-standing and A great year and a great team of the organizing committee. A full in 2021. The formal notice of the distinguished member, Seamus thanks everyone information pack with the AGM meetingChairman’s and the draft agenda Notes will O’Brien. The society was very papers, itinerary, detailed instructions appear in the April Newsletter as will pleased to give financial support to the venues, and suggestions for registrationAs timeswe andlook further forward details. to the promisetowards itsof publication a new andyear, our let’s Billy lunch on Saturday and Sunday will Get in touch through igps.ireland@ confidence in its worth is proven be available from Friday 17th May gmail.comcelebrate or phone Billy what McCone a successful yearby bookwe saleshave of justover £6000.had. McCone at the hotel reception. Registration +44 (0)7411 244568. Chairman times and further details will be Our editor, Mary Montaut, producedOur volunteers four at insteadthe Rectory ofGarden the confirmed in the April Newsletter. usual three Newsletters, thanksin the Ulsterto AnneFolk Museum James organised we 6 7 published the 17th issue of Moorea, Paddy Tobin continued to maintain the website keeping it fresh and up to date while Ali Rochford sent out regular colourful and informative ebulletins.

Over 100 members and guests enjoyed the AGM weekend, the highest attendance for many years, resulting in new committee members and volunteers coming forward for a variety of projects.

The regional organisers treated us to an excellent programme of talks, plant sales and garden visits. A remarkable amount of hard work goes into organising these but, in the autumn, each of the three committees organised a special event to launch the book In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton Hooker by our long-standing and distinguished member, Seamus O’Brien. The Society was very pleased to give financial support towards its publication and our confidence in its worth is proven by book sales of over £6000.

Our volunteers at the Rectory Garden in the Ulster Folk Museum organised an enjoyable Open Day and plant sale in the summer while, at Pogue’s Entry, with extra volunteers and generous funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, the garden has undergone a marked change.

Collections of Irish Heritage Plants (IHPs) have increased at both Blarney Castle Gardens and Glasnevin. Stephen Butler continues to lead the programme to conserve and propagate Irish cultivars and more members are recording their collections with him while Debbie Bailey is organising the annual seed exchange.

Membership Secretary Nichola Monk reports stable numbers of over 500; she is making progress on a new membership database while Diane Sprules is preparing the way to move to direct debit payments. Philip Quinlan has developed a prototype ‘Image Library’ software

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Of particular interest in the Northern region was the information that Daniel Ferguson, Curator of Belfast Botanic Gardens, received seeds of madennii and miscellaneous lots of Sikkim seedlings. Ferguson grew in the Palm House in Belfast Botanic Gardens and the Belfast consignment included among others Rhododendron grande, R.thomsonii, R.cinnabarinum Roylei Group, as well as R. madenii.

Our gardens in Ireland would be so much poorer without the wonderful range of plants that Hooker discovered and introduced. It was appropriate that, in retracing Hooker’s footsteps, Seamus and his team discovered a new natural rhododendron hybrid. Named as Rhododendron x thupdenii, after their Tibetan guide Thupden Tsering, this hybrid has Rhododendron hodgsonii and Rhododendron wightii as its parents.

Members greatly appreciated that Seamus gave freely of his time both before and after his riveting lecture, talking to members and signing copies of his book. A great plantsman speaking about a great plantsman.

Seamus O’Brien, In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton Hooker – A Sikkim IGPS Newsletter January 2019 Adventure, Kew Publishing, 2018, Hardback, 324 pages, £40 bank, will do much to replenish Kilmacurragh’s southern hemisphere collections and those at Coolcarrigan, Mount Stewart, the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Nymans, the RBG, Kew and the RBG, Edinburgh.

IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 Rhododendron

In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton montroseanum Hooker : A Sikkim adventure at Fota, Lectures and Launch In his lectures, Seamus took us Compiled from reports by Janet on a fascinating journey setting IGPS Photo Edwardes and Adrian Walsh the scene with a brief history of Kilmacurragh house and gardens. October was an important month When he took up his stewardship for the Society with special events of Kilmacurragh, he soon became being organized in all three of our aware of the very many specimens regions to mark the publication of of rhododendrons and other plants a new book by Seamus O’Brien, which had come from seed which In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton Joseph Dalton Hooker had sent Hooker: A Sikkim adventure, firstly back from his travels through Sikkim. at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin and then at Fota House in He then introduced us to the life East Cork, followed by the Old of Joseph Hooker, son of Sir William Courthouse in Antrim. Each very Hooker, in particular concentrating successful event comprised a on the various expeditions he Rhododendron montroseanum at Fota, IGPS Photo Print of Malahide, Tasmania lecture, refreshments and a book undertook. He brought to life the signing by the author. excitement and dangers that Hooker and in attendance were Hooker discovered and introduced. experienced on these expeditions several family descendants It was appropriate that, in retracing and brought us up to date with of Hooker himself. Hooker’s footsteps, Seamus his own experiences on the four and his team discovered a new expeditions he led retracing Hooker’s Of particular interest in the Northern natural rhododendron hybrid. Seamus O’Brien with travels in Sikkim. It is awe inspiring region was the information that Named as Rhododendron x 6 to think of the vast number of plants Leinster Chair, Anne-Marie Daniel Ferguson, Curator of Belfast thupdenii, after their Tibetan guide which were introduced at a time Botanic Gardens, received seeds Thupden Tsering, this hybrid has Woods, at the Book Launch when travel was often dangerous of Rhododendron madennii Rhododendron hodgsonii and in Dublin of Seamus’ book, and sending vulnerable plant material and miscellaneous lots of Rhododendron wightii as its parents. back home was not easy. Sikkim seedlings. Ferguson In the Footsteps of Joseph grew rhododendrons in the Members greatly appreciated Dalton Hooker, a Sikkim In Cork the event felt particularly Palm House in Belfast Botanic that Seamus gave freely of his special as it took place in Fota Gardens and the Belfast time both before and after his Adventure where more than likely plants consignment included among riveting lecture, talking to members were distributed from Hooker’s others Rhododendron grande, and signing copies of his book. original collections. In fact there R.thomsonii, R.cinnabarinum A great plantsman speaking were several Cork connections Roylei Group, as well as R. madenii. about a great plantsman. Seamus O’Brien with because some of the plants Leinster Chair, Anne-Marie Woods, were grown very successfully at Seamus O’Brien, In the Footsteps of Joseph at the Book Launch in Dublin. Our gardens in Ireland would Gumbleton’s garden, east of Cobh Dalton Hooker – A Sikkim Adventure, Kew be so much poorer without the Publishing, 2018, Hardback, 324 pages, £40 wonderful range of plants that 8 17 9 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

IRIS PALLIDA ‘PHYLIS MOORE’: Indeed, ‘Phylis Moore’ and ‘Clematis’ in Devon (Milner 2016), where he do share the same flower colour, hybridized daffodils and gladioli as PROBABLE SYNONYMY markings on the lower parts of well as irises. We know of no direct the falls and overall morphology – connection between Bliss and the E. Charles Nelson & Brendan Sayers usually (but not always) flat, rather Moores of Rathfarnham, and there is like the flower of a clematis. In no indication in the scant information In the early 1980s, in season, In those times, unless there were 1919, ‘Clematis’ was described thus about the collections at Willbrook David Shackleton would draw some strong clues and someone (Anonymous 1919: 296): “A rather that the Moores grew his irises. That, attention to a fine blue Iris looking remembered an old , finding unusual form was seen in the variety of course, proves nothing. Lady very much like a clone of Iris pallida any further information, or a name, Clematis, for instead of having a well- Moore had an “eye” for a good plant, (syn. I. dalmatica) with peculiar but was worse than searching for defined standard, the segments hang and there can be no doubt that Iris highly attractive sky-blue flowers. a needle in a haystack. As the down as in the falls, and, moreover, ‘Clematis’ is such a thing. Each bloom was flat, without erect plant is a good, garden-worthy iris, the standard segments have beards standards – a normal Iris, such as a name was needed, and so from so that the flower must be regarded In The Garden in 1923, the renowned the native wild flag, has flowers 1995 onwards, this Willbrook iris as an abnormality. The effect was expert on Iris, W. R. Dykes noted comprising three spreading falls was called ‘Phylis Moore’. The name that of a more regular flower than that “Seedlings of I[ris] pallida not and three erect standards. Among was first used in The Irish garden is usual in Irises, and it is from this infrequently appear with some or all those who saw and admired this 5 (3: May–June): 34 (see also 6 fact that the name Clematis was of the “standards” changed in form plant was Graham Stuart Thomas (8:October): 36–38; 17 (1: January): given to it.” ...”. He refuted the notion that irises who took material to England to 54-56), and the cultivar was included with a “flat form of flower” were grow in his own garden at in A heritage of beauty (Nelson 2000: We cannot yet say that hybrids involving the Japanese Woking in Surrey. 120) as an Irish one. ‘Clematis’ and ‘Phylis Moore’ are , Iris ensata (formerly I. indistinguishable – and thus the kaempferi), and invited Bliss to Enquiries among iris experts and Nowadays, with internet databases same cultivar – because that requires comment. Bliss did so, pointing enthusiasts, by Graham and others, of all kinds, identifying old cultivars comparison of living plants of each out that ‘Clematis’ had been raised only resulted in negative answers. is a little more easy but still very after they have been cultivated from ‘Cordelia’ x ‘Princess Beatrice’: No one knew the plant and thus no much a matter of happenstance. side by side in the same conditions “It was the only one of the batch one knew what its name should be, While researching possibilities for (soil and climate) for at least a year. of seedlings of the cross which presuming it had been named at inclusion and illustration in the joint After such comparison has been displayed this form [in which all some time in the past. project Heritage Irish Plants – Plandaí made, however, it is our opinion that six petals reflex].” Bliss added that Oidhreachta by the Irish Garden ‘Phylis Moore’ will be proven to be ‘Clematis’ was the most perfect David Shackleton had acquired Plant Society and the Irish Society ‘Clematis’, and so the later name example of this variant. the iris from Lady Moore’s garden, of Botanical Artists, Brendan Sayers (‘Phylis Moore’) has to be relegated Willbrook, in Rathfarnham, and he noted an online message (dated May to synonymy under ‘Clematis’, the did not have any name for the clone. 2005) from Sterling Okase (USA) earliest one. It is quite possible he had it labelled questioning if the iris cultivar called something like “Iris Lady Moore”. ‘Phylis Moore’ (as “I. pallida ‘Lady ‘Clematis’ was raised by Arthur John Otherwise, the iris was anonymous. Phyllis Moore’ [sic]) and ‘Clematis’ Bliss (1859–1931), a reclusive English were one and the same. plantsman who lived in chaotic conditions at Morwellham Quay

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Notes References The British-Irish Botanical Expedition

Lady Moore’s Christian name only Anonymous, 1919. Nursery notes. to Tasmania (BIBET) 2018 has one “l”: she was not Phyllis. Irises at Colchester. The gardeners’ Seamus O’Brien chronicle 65 (series 3): 296–297. The cultivar name, in accord with the In recent years Kilmacurragh has the pencil pine, Athrotaxis International code of nomenclature Bliss, A. J., 1923. Clematis-flowered seen a flood of new, mostly wild- cupressoides and their naturally for cultivated plants (ICNCP) then irises. The garden 87: 214. origin trees and shrubs, sourced occurring hybrid, Athrotaxis x applying, did not include her title: from across the globe. Some of laxifolia. The passage of time, it was simply ‘Phylis Moore’, and Dykes, W. R., 1923. Moisture loving these plants have come to us through old age and storms have felled not the doubly erroneous “Lady irises. The garden 87: 176. collaborative projects with the Royal several of our Tasmanian veterans Phyllis Moore” (used by Russell Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the Royal and so I welcomed the opportunity (2003), and subsequent writers), Milner, A., 2016. Bliss irises. Family Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, while to visit Van Diemen’s Land for the nor ‘Lady Phyllis’. and friends: the journey to a national our most recent acquisitions arrived purpose of rebuilding our southern collection. Kibworth Beauchamp. earlier this spring from Tasmania. hemisphere collections. ‘Lady Phyllis’ is the name for a tall bearded iris – “Midseason bloom. Nelson, E. C., 1995. A rainbow I had previously travelled in The historic National Trust garden Colour Class B1L.” –introduced by of irises. The Irish garden 5 Tasmania in 2011 with staff from at Nymans has equally strong ties W. W. Neel, 1932 (The American Iris (3 May– June): 34. the Royal Tasmanian Botanical with Tasmania. In 1930, their Head Society Iris Encyclopedia URL http:// Gardens (RTBG) in Hobart. Gardener, Harold Frederick Comber wiki.irises.org/bin/ rdiff/TbKthruO/ Nelson, E. C., 1997. The Moores Knowing this, Stephen Herrington, (1897-1969) visited Tasmania, to TbLadyPhyllis accessed 25 October of Willbrook. The Irish garden 6 Head Gardener at Nymans in collect for a syndicate of wealthy 2018). It has no connection with (8 October): 36–38. Sussex, asked if I might be British gardeners arranged by ‘Clematis’ and so should not be interested in helping to organise the owner of Nymans, Leonard confused with ‘Phylis Moore’. Nelson, E. C., 2000. A heritage of a botanical expedition to Tasmania Messell (1872-1953) and by Lionel beauty. The garden plants of Ireland. in 2018. The answer was of course de Rothschild (1882-1942), then An illustrated encyclopaedia. Dublin. a resounding yes and so, once enthusiastically developing his dates were agreed, I made contact garden at Exbury House in Nelson, E. C., 2008. Two ladies of with James Wood, the Seed Bank Hampshire on an extraordinary a golden age. The Irish garden 17 coordinator at the Tasmanian scale. Comber’s collections from (1 January): 54-56. Seed Conservation Centre and Tasmania, and from his earlier Natalie Thapson, the RTBG’s very Andean Expedition, were raised Russell, C., 2003. Flat out and up enthusiastic Horticultural Taxonomist. at the National Botanic Gardens, to date! Bulletin of the American Glasnevin during the 1920s and ‘30s. Iris Society 328: 48–49 [photographs], Kilmacurragh has long been famed 66–72 {adapted from Yearbook of for its southern hemisphere conifers, Our team therefore consisted of the British Iris Society}. particularly Athrotaxis, a relict members of staff from Nymans, genus that is endemic to Tasmania. the National Botanic Gardens of Thomas Acton was one of the earliest Wales, Mount Stewart in Co. Down, cultivators of both the King Billy pine, the National Botanic Gardens, Athrotaxis selaginoides and Kilmacurragh and Coolcarrigan

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House and Gardens near Naas, heavily divaricated (forked) branch Sceptics of climate change might Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples. Co. Kildare. On my suggestion the system and its broader juvenile and change their opinions on seeing this expedition came to be known as the adult leaves and the greater degree . In recent times, this incredibly This is thought to be the first record British-Irish Botanical Expedition to of glaucousness that extends handsome tree has become of a pre-European use of an alcoholic Tasmania (BIBET) and just before from juvenile and adult leaves endangered as a direct result beverage in Australia. This sweet sap our departure the Government of onto young stems, flower buds of climate change (there has been is also a welcome source of food for Tasmania granted permits for our and capsules. Exceptionally frost a 1.5°C increase in the mean daily native marsupials, birds and insects. group to collect seeds and herbarium tolerant, this striking eucalypt maximum temperature in this area FollowingIGPS Newsletter heavy browsing by insects January 2019 specimens of non-threatened taxa. is an extreme local endemic and between 1945 and 1995). It is a copious flow of sap covers the The permits also allowed us to collect only occurs on the southern end thought that the long-term effect groundinsects. beneath Following trees heavywith a carpet browsing by insects a copious flow of sap material for the International Conifer of the Great Lake and Tods Corner of global warming (combined with ofcovers manna the pellets. ground Flocks beneath of parakeets trees with a carpet of manna pellets. Conservation Programme at the where it integrates clinally with decreased rainfall, droughts and canFlocks be seen of parakeets in a drunken can state be seen in a drunken state feeding on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh Eucalyptus gunnii and reduction of frost) on the Tasmanian feedingmanna onand the drinking manna and from drinking pools of sap. (in which the NBG, Kilmacurragh Eucalyptus archeri. eucalypt gene pool will be the loss from pools of sap. collaborates) and to collect duplicate of resistance to extreme frost. sets of herbarium specimens for the The Miena cider gum is a Miena Cider Gum Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the woodland tree that has evolved Most of the trees we saw were dead National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. to grow on the edges of treeless gnarled giants silhouetted against flats in poorly drained frost hollows an intensely blue antipodean sky. The BIBET trip was timed for early that are exposed to early morning Strangely, in death they made an Only eight small stands of this tree January, and, having rung in the sun, both of which increase the impressive sight, old veterans with now remain, covering a few New Year, the team met in Melbourne damaging effects of frost, though heavy horse chestnut like limbs, in hundred hectares. Twenty years Airport and spent a day gathering in winter these hollows tend be habit quite unlike any of the other ago only 2000 trees were setting IGPS Newsletter January 2019 equipment and provisions in Hobart. covered by cloud and mist. It has Australian gum trees. The Miena seeds; the population has From the island’shas capital been used we made in breeding programmesbeen used in Australiabreeding and programmes other parts of cider gum is the most palatable plummeted since, mainly due to our way to the Tasmanianthe world because Lake of its exceptionalin Australia frost andresistance. other parts of the species of all the eucalypts. Climate warming weather, grazing and

Country, in the Central Highlands, world because of its exceptional change with associated prolonged browsing by sheep, wild deer, using the small town of Miena as frost resistance. drought means it now leafs up earlier Eucalyptus gunnii brushtail possums, rabbits and our initial base. subsp. divaricata. than ever and it is quickly stripped by insects and the tree’s intolerance (Meina Cider Gum) insects and possums which find both to drought and frequent fires. The Tasmania’s Central Plateau can see its sap and foliage highly edible. cessation of the possum fur trade major falls of snow, even in summer has increased browsing pressure time, and so anySceptics plants growing of there This tree was already well known are undoubtedlyclimate hardy inchange coastal to Tasmanian aboriginal hunters beyond what many of the older gardens like Kilmacurragh.might change One of before the European colonisation trees support and increased their opinions on nesting sites has meant the the most importantseeing trees this in tree. this area of Tasmania. Producing a sweet Miena Cider Gum is the Miena ciderIn recentgum, Eucalyptustimes, sap, similar to maple syrup, once complete stripping of epicormic gunnii subsp. divaricata.this incredibly A tree of bottled and capped, the sap quickly Onlygrowths eight when small standsre-growth of this does tree occur. Humans have had an impact on about 15 metreshandsome tall, its habit tree is quite ferments producing a drink similar nownumbers remain, too, covering in the a few last hundred twenty years mature trees were felled when has become the level of the Great Lake was raised and roadside trees were felled. different from theendangered more commonly as a to apple cider, hence the common hectares. Twenty years ago only 2000 encountered Eucalyptusdirect result gunnii of climate and change Eucalyptus(there has beengunnii a subsp.1.5°C increase divaricata. in the name and this intoxicating sap was trees were setting seeds; can be quickly recognisedmean daily maximumby its temperature(Meina inCider this Gum) area between 1945 and popular with the now sadly extinct theTwo population of the largest has plummeted populations representing the most extreme forms of 1995). It is thought that the long-term effect of global warming the Miena cider gum have fared worst, with trees stressed to such a 14 (combined with decreased rainfall, droughts and reduction of frost) on 15 the Tasmanian eucalypt gene pool will be the loss of resistance to state that they are no longer setting seeds and with most mature trees extreme frost. Most of the trees we saw were dead gnarled giants now dead; those that resprout are quickly eaten by possums. The silhouetted against an intensely blue antipodean sky. Strangely, in stands closest to Miena (the type locality) exhibit the greatest degree death they made an impressive sight, old veterans with heavy horse of extreme morphology within the subspecies; sadly this forest has chestnut like limbs, in habit quite unlike any of the other Australian gum trees. The Miena cider gum is the most palatable species of all also seen the greatest decline with an estimated 60% of mature trees the eucalypts. Climate change with associated prolonged drought having died in the last ten years. Mature trees have now seen a severe means it now leafs up earlier than ever and it is quickly stripped by loss in reproductive capacity and seedlings are rare due to increasingly insects and possums which find both its sap and foliage highly edible. severe drought and over-grazing. Left unchecked the forests of Miena This tree was already well known to Tasmanian aboriginal hunters before the European colonisation of Tasmania. Producing a sweet sap, similar to maple syrup, once bottled and capped, the sap quickly 11 ferments producing a drink similar to apple cider, hence the common name and this intoxicating sap was popular with the now sadly extinct Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples. This is thought to be the first record of a pre-European use of an alcoholic beverage in Australia. This sweet sap is also a welcome source of food for native marsupials, birds and

10 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 since, mainly due to warming lifetime the Miena cider gum Diemen’s Land in 1824, building This was to be the genesis of The weather, grazing and browsing will face definite extinction. up an estate of over 70,000 acres. Endemic Flora of Tasmania, which by sheep, wild deer, brushtail He built a mansion near Cressy, made Margaret Stones famous. The possums, rabbits and insects While we travelled with colleagues naming it Connorville after another work was produced between 1967 and the tree’s intolerance to from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical family seat in Co. Cork. and 1978 illustrating 254 Tasmanian drought and frequent fires. Gardens, we discussed the endemics with notes by the island’s The cessation of the possum possibilities of developing ex-situ Irish people were among the most prolific botanist, Winifred Curtis fur trade has increased browsing populations of the Miena cider gum earliest settlers in Tasmania, (1905-2005). Stones was then based pressure beyond what many in British and Irish gardens and it’s whether transported as political at Kew and did most of the artwork of the older trees support and believed this may be the only means prisoners or as the new elite, from her home, from plants collected increased nesting sites have at present of preventing the tree’s wealthy settlers who bought vast by Milo Talbot, Winifred Curtis and meant the complete stripping total extinction. Sadly, such are the tracts of land and forged new estates other field botanists that were sent of epicormic growths when times we live in. down under. Another of these was from Tasmania by air in Tupperware re-growth does occur. Humans William Talbot (1784-1845), the containers. Lord Talbot, who grew have had an impact on numbers To reach these endangered gums youngest son of Richard Talbot, of many Tasmanian plants in his Dublin too, in the last twenty years mature our journey took us from Hobart to Malahide Castle in Dublin. Talbot garden, did not live to see the trees were felled when the level the Central Highlands meeting our was granted 3,000 acres in 1824 by publication of the last two volumes, of the Great Lake was raised and first populations on the Plains of Lieutenant Governor George Arthur but the work was completed by roadside trees were felled. Saint Patrick and by the Shannon (1784-1854), infamous for the ethnic his sister Rose, who, after the sale Lagoon (the latter fed by the cleansing of Aboriginal peoples in of Malahide Castle, retired to the Two of the largest populations Shannon River). Driving past the Tasmania that happened under his Tasmanian Malahide. representing the most extreme Liffey Falls led to some suspicion governorship. Talbot’s lands were forms of the Miena cider gum have between myself and Robert Wilson- located at Fingal (surveyed in the Lord Talbot’s greatest memorials fared worst, with trees stressed to Wright that we were not the first same year by Roderic O’Connor) are this publication and his garden such a state that they are no longer Irishmen to cross these plains. On and he named his estate (once over at Malahide Castle. In Tasmania setting seeds and with most mature later travels we drove out the road 40,000 acres and now covering he is commemorated in Geum trees now dead; those that resprout to Longford, passed Lake Rowallan 21,600 acres) Malahide, after his talbotianum, a spectacular white are quickly eaten by possums. The (without the ‘e’) and resisted the father’s property in Ireland. In 1948 flowered alpine species named by stands closest to Miena (the type temptation to drive out to the Plains the Irish Malahide was inherited his collaborator, Winifred Curtis locality) exhibit the greatest degree of Dublin. These places, it seems, by Milo John Reginald Talbot, 7th in 1974. When describing this of extreme morphology within the were christened by the Irish Land Baron Talbot de Malahide (1912- species (known as the Tasmanian subspecies; sadly this forest has Commissioner, Roderic O’Connor 1973) who famously sponsored snowrose), Curtis wrote, ‘It is also seen the greatest decline with (1784-1860), who had previously the publication of the six-volume appropriate that the species should an estimated 60% of mature trees managed his father’s estate at The Endemic Flora of Tasmania, be named in honour of Lord Talbot having died in the last ten years. Dangan Castle in Co. Meath, the one of the most important florilegia de Malahide …. whose enthusiasm Mature trees have now seen a severe childhood home of the Duke of of the 20th century. In 1961 Lord in the collection and cultivation of loss in reproductive capacity and Wellington. The O’Connors claimed Talbot commissioned the Australian Tasmanian plants led him to sponsor seedlings are rare due to increasingly lineal descent from Ruaidrí Ua botanical artist, Margaret Stones The Endemic Flora of Tasmania.’ severe drought and over-grazing. Left Conchobair (Roderick O’Connor), (b. 1920) to produce 35 watercolours unchecked the forests of Miena cider the last High King of Ireland, after of Tasmanian endemic plants. gums will disappear to be replaced whom the commissioner was named. by grassland. It is thought that in our Roderic O’Connor emigrated to Van

16 17 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

Highlights of the British-Irish Tasmania over who should gain National Park, where on the shores virtually unknown in European Botanical Expedition to Tasmania procession of his skeleton. of Dove Lake, we encountered gardens, there is a good young are hard to enumerate, though mammoth King Billy pines, some tree at Castlewellan in Co. Down. those that come instantly to mind A member of the English College estimated to be over a thousand Our Van Diemen’s Land travels are the lakes, tarns and great of Surgeons broke into the morgue years old. There it grew in wet- yielded 254 seeds and herbarium forests of pencil pines, Athrotaxis where Lanne’s body was being temperate forest full of tree ferns, specimens, now distributed across cupressoides in the Walls of kept and decapitated the body, celery-topped pines and banksias Britain and Ireland, and, alongside Jerusalem National Park and stealing his skull and replacing bedecked in golden seeds received from the Royal the mammoth King Billy pines, it with the skull from a white body. candle-like blooms. Tasmanian Botanical Garden’s Athrotaxis selaginoides, named Their Tasmanian counterparts then seedbank, will do much to not for King William of Orange, but proceeded to amputate his hands We had also arrived in time to catch replenish Kilmacurragh’s Tasmania’s two endemic Eucryphia southern hemisphere IGPS WilliamNewsletter Lanne (c. 1835-1869)) the last and feet to prevent further theftsJanuary 2019 ‘full-blooded’ Tasmanian Aboriginal and Lanne was buried in this state, species in full bloom – E. lucida and collections and those at man, who in death, met a rather a shocking disregard for the last male E. milliganii – and on the edge of Coolcarrigan, Mount Stewart, the grizzlyhands and of irreverentEnglish end.and Following Irish colonial member settlers. of a race King of native Billy, peoples the last of Hartz Mountain National Park (where the National Botanic Gardens IGPS Newsletter January 2019 his people,his passing, came Lanne’s to mindcorpse when was we reachedthen driven Cradle into extinction Mountain at the National both species occur together) we of Wales, Nymans, the RBG, Kew Park,dismembered where on andthe used shores for scientific of Dove handsLake, of we English encountered and Irish colonial mammoth found their progeny, E. x hybrida, and the RBG, Edinburgh. Kingpurposes. Billy pines, A row brokesome out estimated between tosettlers. be over King aBilly, thousand the last years old. bank,with will flowers do much and foliage to replenish intermediate Kilmacurragh’s southern hemisphere Therethe itRoyal grew College in wet-temperate of Surgeons of forestof hisfull people, of tree came ferns, to mind celery-topped when we collectionsbetween theand parents. those This at rareCoolcarrigan, Mount Stewart, the National pinesEngland and banksias and the Royal bedecked Society of in goldenreached candle-like Cradle Mountain blooms. Botanichybrid, Gardens unknown toof our Wales, Tasmanian Nymans, the RBG, Kew and the RBG, Edinburgh.hosts, was discovered by Harold Pencil Pines Comber and though Print of Malahide, Tasmania

18 19 Pencil Pines Print of Malahide, Tasmania

We had also arrived in time to catch Tasmania’s two endemic Eucryphia species in full bloom – E. lucida and E. milliganii – and on the edge of Hartz Mountain National Park (where both species occur Seamus O’Brien with together) we found their progeny, E. x hybrida, with flowers and foliage intermediate between the parents. This rare hybrid, unknown to our Leinster Chair, Anne-Marie Tasmanian hosts, was discovered by Harold Comber and though Woods, at the Book Launch virtually unknown in European gardens, there is a good young tree at in Dublin of Seamus’ book, Castlewellan in Co. Down. In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton Hooker, a Sikkim Our Van Diemen’s Land travels yielded 254 seeds and herbarium Adventure specimens, now distributed across Britain and Ireland, and, alongside seeds received from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden’s seed

14

15 IGPS Newsletter January 2019

the planting of the Verdun Oak (Quercus petraea) as a living memorial to the dead, by Adrian Davies (son of Sir David Davies of Abbey Leix House) who came from London specially for the Ceremony. Other distinguished plantsmen then helped to firm the young tree into its new home, and the Ceremony seemed to be over. Except for the very IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 best part!

Remembrance Day at Kilmacurragh, 11 November 2018 Seamus O’Brien and Billy McCone Remembrance Day at Kilmacurragh, Seamus pointed out to us that many seemed to be over. Except for the planting the Verdun Oak of the specimens grew much better very best part! 11th November 2018 at Kilmacurragh than at Glasnevin, owing to the depth of ‘brown earth’ Mary Montaut compared with the Dublin site. Seamus took us on a poignant walk through the gardens, The tragic loss of two generations of introducing us to many of the trees family members, as well as many of as if they were his personal the gardeners from the estate, meant friends. I cannot do justice to the that the estate at Kilmacurragh was depth and breadth of his driven into bankruptcy, leaving the widowed Mrs Annesley Ball-Acton knowledge in this short piece, but and her young son penniless. Over we were treated to a virtuoso the ensuing period, the gardens performance. I will single out just fell into severe neglect and the one example, as it was so huge value of the rare trees which touching: Seamus pointed out a survived there was only recognized group of Gingko biloba trees again when they were brought under the aegis of the National Botanic visible beyond the wall beside the Seamus O’Brien with Ball-Acton family portraits Gardens at Glasnevin. main herbaceous border. These elegant trees were looking their Billy McCone and Seamus O’Brien To mark the Centenary of the ending Annesley Ball-Acton family who then The Director of Glasnevin, Sir best,planting with the their Verdun clear Oak yellow autumn leaves and the bright blue sky of the Great War - ‘at the eleventh owned the estate with its superb Frederick Moore (who was the son beyond. He told us that these trees had been temporarily planted to hour on the eleventh day of the collection of trees and shrubs. of Dr. David Moore) had, with grow on in the walled garden, to be ultimately transplanted into the eleventh month’ of the year 1918 - They had owned the estate since the foresight and devotion, kept a Seamus took us on a poignant a tree planting ceremony was held end of the seventeenth century, and watching brief on the collection at arboretumwalk through and the gardens , , when the Annesley Ball-Actons had to leave Seamusat O’Brien the National with Ball-Acton Botanic Gardens family portraitsthe gardens had been successively Kilmacurragh throughout this period, Kilmacurragh.introducing us to As many a resultof the of the war the ginkgos never made it out of Kilmacurragh, led by Seamus developed until the twentieth century. though until the National Botanic thetrees walled as if they garden, were his though personal they miraculously survived all through the O’Brien. It was a beautiful day, Close links with the prominent Gardens took over in 1996, nothing longfriends. period I cannot of neglect.do justice to Nowthe they form an unofficial memorial to the sunny and chilly - November at its botanists of the day meant that the could be done to restore the gardens peopledepth andwho breadth died inof histhe knowledge Great War. rare best - and the large crowd of collection contained many very rare themselves. The tradition of planting in this short piece, but we were about a hundred people gathered and special trees, collected by well- ‘remarkable’ trees at Kilmacurragh Seamustreated toencouraged a virtuoso performance. us all to come back and see the wonderful at the site chosen for the planting known Irish plant collectors in the continued with the planting of the I will single out just one example, of the ‘Verdun Oak’, grown from nineteenth century especially. The Verdun Oak (Quercus petraea) as a Magnoliaas it was socampbellii touching: Seamus - a native of Sikkim, I believe. He admitted this a descendent of an acorn actually family’s friendship with the Director living memorial to the dead, by Aidan maypointed be outhis a favouritegroup of Gingko of all biloba the extraordinary and rare collection. A gathered in Verdun a hundred of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Davies (son of Sir David Davies of springtrees visiblevisit is beyond highly the recommended. wall beside years ago. Glasnevin (as it was then) Dr. David Abbey Leix House) who came from the main herbaceous border. These Moore ensured that Kilmacurragh London specially for the ceremony. elegant trees were looking their Seamus spoke movingly about received newly collected seed and Other distinguished plantsmen then best, with their clear yellow autumn the losses of Irishmen in the conflict, other plant material at the same time helped to firm the young tree into leaves and the bright blue sky including very heavy losses to the as the other Royal Botanics, and its new home, and the ceremony beyond. He told us that these trees 19

20 21

Above: Seamus with Adrian Davies

Upper Right: At the Prayer Flags

Lower Right: Fasicularia bicolor subsp.canaliculata Remembrance Day at Kilmacurragh, 11 November 2018

IGPS Newsletter Seamus O’Brien with Ball-Acton Februaryfamily portraits 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 had been temporarily planted to grow on in the walled garden, to When in Rome - a visit to the be ultimately transplanted into the arboretum and gardens, when the Museo Orto Botanico Annesley Ball-Actons had to leave Mary Forrest Kilmacurragh. As a result of the war the ginkgos never made it out A comment of a nice botanic - commonly cultivated in Ireland; of the walled garden, though they garden from Stephen Butler, ‘somewhat familiar’ - related species miraculously survived all through prompted Mary Forrest to visit grow in Ireland; and ‘most unusual’ - the long period of neglect. Now they the botanic gardens in Rome Mediterranean or subtropical plants, form an unofficial memorial to the not cultivated outdoors in Ireland. people who died in the Great War. The Museo Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden Museum) Some trees were familiar: Cedrus Seamus encouraged us all to is part of the Sapienza Università deodara (Deodar Cedar) with come back and see the wonderful di Roma and is located in the city drooping foliage even more campbellii - a native of between Trastevere and the Vatican. pronounced than in Ireland or Seamus with Aidan Davies Sikkim, I believe. He admitted Above: Seamus with Adrian Davies Situated on the Gianicolo hill, England, Quercus ilex (Evergreen this may be his favourite of all the Upper Right: At the Prayer Flags one of the seven hills of Rome, Oak), casting deep shade, massive extraordinary and rare collection. from its upper slopes there are Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), A spring visit is highly recommended. Lower Right: Fasicularia bicolor subsp.canaliculata commanding views of the city. Platanus orientalis and Platanus The overall impression of the x hispanica (Plane). Parrotia persica [As an aside, I remember coming gardens is one of greenery, large (Persian Ironwood) by the main gate to Kilmacurragh the first time in leaved evergreen and in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin about 1996 with the IGPS, on a trees and palms with enormous makes a wide spreading . very wet Saturday, and sloshing leaves and pillar-like trunks under In contrast the specimen in the through the undergrowth to view planted with grass and low growing Orto Botanico forms a tall tree. the magnificent trees, absolutely flowers. Generally the flowers and At first sight its yellow flaking trunk enraptured by the place. There seed/fruit too were green in colour. suggested a Plane tree, but from one was something very magical about Within the 12ha Orto Botanico, there look at the elliptically shaped leaves, a ‘forgotten garden’, but I may are collections of Mediterranean it was Parrotia. Another Glasnevin - honestly say that Kilmacurragh trees, conifers, ferns, palms and associated plant, Cortaderia selloana restored has lost none of its magic.] grapevines, a rose garden and (Pampas grass) was planted in a a Japanese garden. An extensive lawn where it formed a large mound rock garden is under reconstruction. of greyish green long narrow leaves. Three spectacular historic fountains In the 1840s the Director, David connect with the previous landscape Moore, having successfully grown history of the site, a garden of the seed gathered in the Argentinian nearby Palazzo Corsini. pampas by John Tweedie, distributed plants to other botanic gardens. For a visitor from Ireland, the One wonders if this plant had any collection of plants could be ‘Irish ancestry’. divided into ‘readily recognisable’ Lake View at Kilmacurragh 22 23 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

Some genera were somewhat familiar pompom. The stateliest of the or balcony. Cocculus laurifolius Wollemi Pine, Wollemia nobilis as their more hardy species grow Palms were Phoenix dactylifera (Menispermaceae), while the specific which was discovered in the wild outdoors in Ireland. Osmanthus (Date Palm) and P. canariensis of name suggests foliage like Bay in Wollemi National Park, near fragrans with evergreen foliage is which there is a specimen in Fota, Laurel, has foliage which is longer Sydney in 1994. The specimen tender in Ireland. Even without their Co. Cork, and Washingtonia filifera. with prominent veins, reminiscent formed a tall slim erect columnar tree fragrant white flowers, the large The Washingtonia leaves being well of the evergreen Clematis armandii. about 5m tall with dark green foliage. glossy green leaves were attractive out of reach, the informative label This medium sized tree is available It was a thrill to see it in flower with as they glistened in the Roman sun. stated that the petiole was 1 - 2 m from specialist nurseries in Ireland male slender catkins hanging from Ligustrum lucidum is in all respects long with a 2m long blade divided and England. the tips of the mid to upper branches like the common privet but with 50 - 70 segments, creating a wide and female green egg shaped larger flower heads and glossy fan shape. The label also noted In contrast Firmiana, Phytolacca and maturing cones, extending from IGPS Newsletter January 2019 green leaves. In Rome it is also that the species is designated Cinnamomum formed large limbed the uppermost branches. The bark cultivated as a hedge and as a street ‘near threatened’ on the IUCN trees, the North American term is rusty brown, knurled as in tree. Zelkova sinica with distinctive Threatened Plant List. ‘shade tree’ being an apt description. Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle). orange patches on the trunk, this Firmiana simplex (Sterculiaceae) is is in contrast to the grey smooth Among the ‘unusual’ shrubs and a large tree with striated bark and The Museo Orto Botanico is as some trunk of Zelkova carpinifolia, which trees unlikely to thrive outdoors in 25 - 30cm broad 3 – 5 lobed green guidebooks say, ‘worth a detour’. stands sentinel by the Herbarium in Ireland, were Manihot grahamii and leaves. The lantern-like large seed Glasnevin. Though Zelkova sinica Boehmeria nivea. Manihot grahamii pods, a distinctive feature, split occurs in Irish tree collections, it (), native to South open into petal- like segments. deserves to be more widely planted. America, has an attractive elegant It was recorded in gardens in the Native and introduced Ash (Fraxinus) open habit with green digitate leaves south west of Ireland; perhaps with trees are common in Irish gardens (not unlike mellifera the summers like 2018 it might become and parks. Based on their growth in shrubby spurge). The yellow bell- more common. Shiny green ovate Rome, two Ash, Fraxinus americana, like flowers are succeeded by round leaves are a distinctive feature of a stately parkland tree and Fraxinus green fruit, similar in size to a cherry Phytolacca dioica a South American sogdiana, a medium sized tree, tomato. Boehmeria nivea (Utricaceae) tree with yellow semi-pendulous warrant cultivation in Irish gardens. is a shrub with green triangular flower spikes. A large bulky tree shaped leaves, white beneath and related to Phytolocca americana, Palm Trees were the most soft with greenish nettle-like flowers Pokeweed, an herbaceous plant with architecturally striking trees in held in clusters around the stem. distinctive maroon berries, grown in the Garden. Chamaerops humilis, In habit it looked like Buddleia some Irish gardens. Cinnamomum while this European palm can grow davidii, Butterfly Bush and appeared glanduliferum, False Camphor, is a in well sheltered gardens in Ireland, suitable for coppicing too. Flueggea large tree with rough dark brown is truly at home in Rome where it suffruticosa (Phyllantheaceae) is a bark and elliptic green leaves. 1. Manihot grahamii in flower & fruit formed a large mass of intertwined free standing medium sized shrub branches and spikey fan shaped or small tree, reminiscent in habit The conifer collection included leaves. Dasylirion acrotichum from of Caragana arborescens but with familiar trees of Sequoiadendron Mexico has a similar habit but with pendulous stems, entire leaves and giganteum (Giant Redwood), some long narrow long strap-like leaves small round stalked fruits borne in less common Podocarpus (Plum 2. WollemiaWollemia nobilis, nobilis, male and female with ‘barbs’ along the stem, together late summer. It looked like the ideal Fruited Yew) and Pinus (Pine). These male and female catkins the leaves form a large spikey tree for a small Roman courtyard genera grow in Ireland, as does the catkins

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3. View of the Palm collection

24 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

The biggest caveat here is Herbarium specimens, pressed, Irish Heritage Plants Update, that it is dependant on the dried, and mounted, are slowly nursery listing them as still being prepared, and lodged at December 2018 available and more NBG Glasnevin. They will form Stephen Butler, Irish Heritage Plants Coordinator importantly, having them a permanent record for future true to type, which can often reference. Accompanying notes The last few months have seen – the simplest benchmark). be a significant problem – and pictures give a full description, me updating our spreadsheet of That’s a remarkable remember the issues with with colour noted from a standard IHPs, many completely new entries, amount of material being Aconitum ‘Newry Blue’! RHS chart. This is essential with always good to have that, and lots safeguarded, and shows any new cultivars as they come of updates from various gardens the value of the IGPS 247 IHPs at NBG Glasnevin. along, if only we had the same for and members. Very many thanks in championing such plant Aconitum ‘Newry Blue’ … and well done to all those who have conservation. Well done 229 IHPs at Blarney Castle responded. At the end of the day all everyone! Gardens. It would be great if we could I have is a list, the plants are out duplicate the work being done at there in gardens all over Ireland, a 155 IHPs grown by members that So, apart from me playing with the NBG Glasnevin with Bergenia and very dispersed collection indeed! are listed in only one nursery spreadsheet, what else is happening? Aconitum. Would someone take on (Plant Finder again) for sale, There have been increases in the Calluna (16), Erica (35), or Daboecia I can now throw lots more numbers with obvious potential to be number of IHPs grown, especially (7), many last listed a few years around, a benchmark for where we dropped off their lists, in the two public gardens above, ago? Or Dierama (22)? How about are at the moment, with the caveat a great achievement from both Dianthus (4)? Any fern fanatics for that there is potentially many a slip. 129 IHPs listed in Plant Finder Blarney Castle and NBG Glasnevin. Polypodium (4) or Polystichum (3)? My mum (Yorkshire) always said over the years, but not in the Several members have also How about Saxifraga (9), Sedum (5), there’s many a slip twixt cup and lip. latest issue, no longer increased their collection, or sent or Sempervivum (4)? If anyone has My dad (Essex) said there’s many a available, and this number in details of which IHPs they grow, any special interest, let me know and slip twixt dress and drawers. Which will increase yearly, I fear. great to see and well done to all. I can see what is listed, or not, as the maybe says more about the people The Bergenia trial at NBG Glasnevin case may be. Every plant counts. in Essex… 200 IHPs that are not listed is ongoing, and will take a little in Charles Nelson’s time yet to be productive, see Happy hunting! Now, number crunching: A Heritage of Beauty i.e. the excellent notes in previous new cultivars selected or Newsletter by Gary Mentanko. 1335 total number of spreadsheet bred since that book’s Equally, the trial there of Aconitum entries; many plants have publication 18 years ago. ‘Newry Blue’ will take a little more multiple growers of course. time. The dry summer was not kind 339 IHPs in trade (again Plant to the plants, but there are certainly 598 total number of Irish Finder as benchmark) but very different clones going around Heritage Plants listed not listed as being grown under that name. Some members as grown in Ireland. by anyone in Ireland. That have also taken on particular genera, may not mean they are not or are chasing particular plants. 208 IHPs grown by members here of course, just that no That’s great to see, very well but not generally available one has let us know yet! done to everyone. in trade (as in Plant Finder

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IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

Winter Fragrance Brid Kelleher

Little effort is required to succumb winter and continued flowering to the profusion heady perfumes until early spring. On still winter and colour in the summer garden, evenings one need only open a but in the grey, pallid days of the door as its intense fragrance can year’s end the gardener needs an travel a surprising distance. In added incentive to venture outdoors. the same genus, Daphne odora The earlier glories of deciduous ‘Aureomarginata’ with its early rosy- trees and shrubs give way to an pink flowers also exudes a sweet appreciation for structure provided fragrance with an undertone of spice. by evergreen trees and shrubs and Mahonia oiwakensis and Mahonia x nature’s offering of scented plants, media ‘Charity’ are valued for their from resinous conifers, winter architectural qualities, but both also flowering shrubs, fruit and aromatic bring winter cheer with their crowns herbs and later the emergence of bright, yellow, lily of the valley of early flowering bulbs. scented flowers.

& Seasonal ring: Azara microphylla ‘Variegata’, Buxus sempervirens With a little planning the winter Many winter scented plants Chaenomeles x superba ‘Crimson & Gold’, Hedera helix, Hedera helix ‘Parsley Crested’, garden can bring many unexpected have flowers that are small and Iris foetidissima Mahonia oiwakensis, Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ Osmanthus heterophyllus delights and choosing the correct insignificant, Sarcococca confusa Seasonal‘Goshiki’ ring Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group, Sarcococca confusa, position for scented plants is critical; is one such plant that plays come AzaraSkimmia microphylla x confusa ‘Variegata’‘Kew Green’, Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ ideally most should be planted near hither and thither with our olfactory Buxus sempervirens are perfect for illuminating a shady the gardener? I would suggest for paths or steps so that their fragrance sense. The flowers of Osmanthus Chaenomelesborder or woodland x superba area. ‘Crimson & Gold’both and, to shorten winter days, can be readily enjoyed. Roses are delavayi could also be described as Hedera helix a few stems of Chimonanthus usually associated with warmer modest, but the quality of their scent A recent addition to my garden praecox should be cut and brought seasons, but the miniature tea is unsurpassed. Azara micropylla Hedera helix ‘Parsley Crested’ is Edgeworthia, a small genus of indoors so that its leafless branches rose, Rosa ‘Cécile Brünner’ ‘Variegata’ with its delicate foliage Iris foetidissima shrubs native to Himalaya and . tipped with waxy yellow, richly with its delicate, tissue paper petals, is not just an elegant addition to Mahonia oiwakensis Edgeworthia tomentosa has dense scented flowers may be enjoyed continues to flower into November. the garden but its demure, vanilla Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ nodding terminal clusters of fragrant for days. Many bulbs which have One could forgive this beautiful scented flowers make it invaluable. Osmanthusyellow flowers heterophyllus in late winter. ‘Goshiki’ In Japan been specially treated to flower miniature rose if it lacked scent, Rosmarinusthe bark ofo ffiEdgeworthiacinalis is used in indoors during winter are another but nature has bestowed on it The Skimmia genus is widely used the manufacture of high quality paper source of winter perfume but, unless a rich, resonant aroma that is to bring colour to the winter garden Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group used for their currency, so one could we venture into the garden in the totally enchanting. and, although lacking berries, Sarcococca confusa say with certainty that this shrub dark gloomy months, we will miss Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew Green’ Skimmia x confusa ‘Kew Green’ gives value for money! the discreet charm of so many By late November the first flowers produces dense clusters of creamy- Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’ wonderful scented plants. With a little of Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ white flowers that are beautifully For whom are these winter offerings? forethought the winter garden can be with their pervasive scent begin to scented. The variety S. japonica Are they for the occasional pollinating a beguiling place where we can allow appear. Last year this invaluable ‘Fragrans’ is more widely available insect or for the singular pleasure of our olfactory sense to enjoy primacy. Daphne defied the harsh, glacial and equally good. These shrubs

28 2929 IGPS Newsletter January 2019

gardener, he calls a spade a spade and his comments on people are outspoken, direct and unhindered. Praise is generous and fulsome when given and criticism sharp, clear and without hesitation.

It all makes for a wonderfully readable book, informative, insightful and entertaining and I recommend it to you, wholeheartedly and enthusiastically.

IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 Peter Dale, The Irish Garden, A Cultural History, The IGPS Newsletter Worth a ReadJanuary 2019 History Press, Dublin, Peter2018, Dale, Hardback, The Irish Garden, 384 pages, paragraphs added Worth a Read ISBN: 978 0 7509 8809A 4 Cultural History, The History Press, to preface a article Paddy Tobin Paddy Tobin Dublin, 2018, Hardback, 384 pages, but not lying John Sales, Shades of Green: My Life as ISBN: 978 0 7509 8809 4 well with it, too John Sales,the ShadesNational Trust’sof Green: Head of Gardens, What is it that makes an Irish garden different? Our obviously a later My Life asUnicorn, the National London, Trust’s2018, Hardback, 328 gardens and what we can grow in them are most pages, £25, ISBN: 978-1-910787-00-7 What is it that makes an Irish garden addition rather than Head of Gardens, Unicorn, London, influenced by our climate and soil type. Devon, The National Trust in Great Britain is different? Our gardens and what we part of the original. 2018, Hardback,probably one328 of pages, the most £25, successful Cornwall, western Scotlandcan grow and, in them indeed, are most many influenced parts Yet, despite these conservation and preservation ISBN: 978-1-910787-00-7organisations in the world. It is the largest of England have basic byconditions our climate very and soilsimilar type. to Devon, those areas which did not landowner in Britain and, were it not for the National Trust many irreplaceable buildings in Irish gardens yet ourCornwall, gardens western diff erScotland and itand, is this appeal to me, there was a great The Nationaland gardens Trust wouldin Great have been Britain lost. is difference and the reasonsindeed, for many this partsdifference of England that have Peter Daleamount examines of the book which probably oneJohn ofSales, the aftermost college, successful parks work, and seeks to clarify in thisbasic book. conditions very similar to those I enjoyed thoroughly. conservationlecturing and at preservationWrittle College and managing the campus gardens there, was appointed in Irish gardens yet our gardens organisationsgardens in adviser,the world. under Itthe is wingthe of the years,famous Grahama monumental Stuart responsibility differ and it is this difference and the There were times, reading this book, Thomas, and, subsequently in 1971, he was appointed Head of largest landownerGardens of thein BritainNational Trust.and, The were Trust alreadyand challengehad a number in of the hands of a man reasons for this difference that Peter when I thought it ought to be part of it not for thegardens National but it was Trust, only in manythis period that a ofgreater matching understanding capabilities. of The book brings together a number of Peter Dale’s previously the historic and cultural significance of gardens came to be Dale examines and seeks to clarify every gardener’s education, essential irreplaceableappreciated buildings and valued. and gardensIt was also a period when the numbers published articles. Suchin thiscollections book. are not uncommonreading but this in all one horticultural colleges, visiting gardens simply boomed and the demands on those with would havecharge been of theselost. gardens increased proportionatelyHe tells to thisbalance story the through dihisff ers in that the author has reworked them to create a singleand other narrative times when it would needs of accommodating the public and experiencesyet preserve, conserve, with fifty of theon NationalIrish gardens. The articles/chapters cover visits to twenty Irish renew and develop the gardens. John Sales guided this process for The book brings together a number be cruel to inflict it on the same John Sales,twenty-five after college, years, a monumental parks responsibilityTrust’s and challenge gardens in the and it is angardens, account some more extensivelyof Peter Dale’s described previously and published discussed students. than others, The author brings together hands of a man of matching capabilities. work, lecturing at Writtle College which is insightful, informativeand and,here gathered into articles.a narrative Such oncollections what is are an not Irish gardenwhat areand obviously what two great loves and managingHe tells the this campus story through gardens his experiences withoftentimes, fifty of the Nationalentertaining. This is a Trust’s gardens and it is an account which is insightful, informative is distinctive about it.uncommon Illustrations but this are one bydiff ersBrian in Lalor,in his small life, horticulture line and literature, there, wasand, appointed oftentimes, entertaining.gardens This is a bookbook which whichcould open could our open ourdrawings eyes, which are genericthat the in author nature has rather reworked than them being specificand he writes to any wonderfully on both adviser, undereyes, changethe wing our ofopinions the and enhancechange our enjoyment our opinions and and enhance understanding of the gardens of the National Trust and, indeed, of of the gardens. to create a single narrative on Irish but I find it difficult to imagine there is famous Grahamgardens in Stuartgeneral. Thomas, our enjoyment and understanding of gardens. The articles/chapters cover a wide readership with these shared and, subsequentlyJohn Sales’ interaction in 1971, with he people was – owners,the tenants, gardens head gardeners of the National Trust and, visits to twenty Irish gardens, some interests. My interest was in the appointed- runsHead as a of thread Gardens through the of book the and, as wouldindeed, be appropriate of gardens for a in general.These original individual, stand-alone essays were not written with this theme of examining whatmore anextensively Irish garden described is andin mind buthorticultural have been discussion and I found National Trust. The Trust already John Sales’ interaction30 with people – the frequent and, at times, in depth reworked to suit this publication.discussed than In others, places, and thishere re-editing is chunky had a number of gardens but it was owners, tenants, head gardeners gathered into a narrative on what is references to Irish myth and literature only in this period that a greater - runs as a thread through andthe book awkward – some anintroductory Irish garden andparagraphs what is distinctive added –to particularly preface aan final chapter given understanding of the historic and and, as would be appropriatearticle for abut not lying wellabout with it. Illustrationsit, too obviously are by Brian a later additionentirely to ratheran examination of “Ireland cultural significance of gardens came gardener, he calls a spadethan a spade part of the original.Lalor, Yet, small despite line drawings these areas which whichare didas a notPlace appeal in the Mind” – tedious to be appreciated and valued. It was and his comments on peopleto areme, there was a genericgreat inamount nature rather of thethan beingbook whichand moreI enjoyed for the ‘gardener’ with ink also a period when the numbers outspoken, direct and unhindered.thoroughly. specific to any of the gardens. stains on the finger rather then dirt visiting gardens simply boomed Praise is generous and fulsome when under the nails. I tend more towards and the demands on those with given and criticism sharp, clear and These original individual, stand-alone the latter. 31 charge of these gardens increased without hesitation. essays were not written with this proportionately to balance the needs theme of examining what an Irish The book, I suppose, like many of accommodating the public and It all makes for a wonderfully garden is in mind but have been a garden, even the very best of yet preserve, conserve, renew and readable book, informative, insightful reworked to suit this publication. gardens, has parts which appeal develop the gardens. John Sales and entertaining and I recommend In places, this re-editing is chunky to us and parts which don’t; yet at guided this process for twenty-five it to you, wholeheartedly and and awkward – some introductory the end of the day we are glad that enthusiastically. we have visited and glad we have 30 read the book. 31 IGPS Newsletter January 2019

There were times, reading this book, when I thought it ought to be part of every gardener’s education, essential reading in all horticultural colleges, and other times when it would be cruel to inflict it on the same students. The author brings together what are obviously two great loves in his life, horticulture and literature, and he writes wonderfully on both but I find it difficult to imagine there is a wide readership with these shared interests. My interest was in the horticultural discussion and I found the frequent and, at times, in depth references to Irish myth and literature – particularly a final chapter given entirely to an examination of “Ireland as a Place in the Mind” – tedious and more for the ‘gardener’ with ink stains on the finger rather then dirt under the nails. I tend more towards the latter.

The book, I suppose, like many a garden, even the very best of gardens, has parts which appeal to us and parts which don’t; yet at the end of the day we are glad that we have visited and glad we have IGPSread Newsletterthe book. February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

& JimJim BucklandBuckland & & Sarah Sarah Wain, Wain, At West Dean: Though it is AtThe West Creation Dean: ofThe an Creation Exemplary of anGarden , almost impossible Two of the Many New Narcissus ExemplaryPhotography Garden, by Andrea Photography Jones, White by Lion to separate Publishing, London, 2018, Hardback, 288 Cultivars for 2018 Andreapages, £40, Jones, ISBN: White 978-0-7112- Lion Publishing, 3892-3 exceptional London, 2018, Hardback, 288 horticulture Brendan Sayers pages,West Dean, £40, asISBN: we see978-0-7112- it today, is a 19th practices from 3892-3century country house with gardens in the gardening In any given year, since 2000, Arts and Crafts style. The walled garden, with the catalogue of Irish cultivars its range of Victorian glasshouses and excellence - Westgardened Dean, in a as style we which see itis today,deeply rootedis in process from has increased mainly by the aVictorian 19th century practices, country is the house crowning with glory, product – it is clear that at West Dean registration of daffodils by breeders though the extensive gardens outside the walls are beautiful and such as Brian Duncan, Nial Watson, gardensinteresting in and the lead Arts to andsweeping Crafts wildflower style. meadowsprocess and aleads significant the way. There is here Thearboretum. walled The garden, layout with of the its 90range acres of of gardensan uncompromising is informal and and absolutely Derrick Turbitt or the late Sir Frank Victorianblends almost glasshouses seamlessly andinto gardenedthe borrowed landscapediligent ofattention the rolling to the very best of Harrison and Kate Reade. parkland to the south, nestled in the foot of the South Downs in West Occasionally these breeders have inSussex. a style Thanks which to is the deeply efforts rooted of Jim Bucklandin goodand Sarah gardening Wain, it practices.is Victoriannow one of practices, the greatest is restored the crowning gardens open to the public today and divested themselves of some stock glory,this book though tells its the story. extensive gardens There are no short cuts; there is no allowing a novice patient of ‘yellow outside the walls are beautiful and taking the easy way out; there is fever’ to grow and show their interesting and lead to sweeping nothing less than perfect. There is novelties. On occasion the stock 32 wildflower meadows and a significant a right way to do every gardening job proves to be worthy of a name and arboretum. The layout of the 90 acres – from grass cutting, to lawn edging, in the case of the following two, such of gardens is informal and blends to organising a glasshouse regime, was the case. almost seamlessly into the borrowed to training and pruning fruit trees, Narcissus “Susan Mary” landscape of the rolling parkland to growing vegetables and the ever Narcissus ‘Susan Mary’ is named to the south, nestled in the foot of so many mundane and daily tasks for the botanical artist, Susan M. the South Downs in West Sussex. of any garden, and this right way Sex. It is Brian Duncan’s seedling Thanks to the efforts of Jim Buckland is the only way employed at West 3438 and is classed as a trumpet and Sarah Wain, it is now one of the Dean. It is an example of horticultural with a white corolla and a white, greatest restored gardens open to practices of the highest calibre and, pink tipped corona (1W-WWP). the public today and this book tells not surprisingly, the gardens – the Its parentage is ‘Ben Aligin’ as the its story. product of all these processes – seed and ‘Korora Bay’ as the is sublimely beautiful. pollen parent. The authors, Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, are first and foremost, Jim Buckland describes the Narcissus ‘Ella Bell’ hails from gardeners – “not horticulturalists, processes of work in West Dean in ‘Hillstar’ as the seed and ‘Little Bell’ designers, managers but dirt an insightful and informative narrative as the pollen parent and is Brian under the nails gardeners” and which is wonderfully illustrated Duncan’s seedling 3885. A deep over the past twenty-seven years by Andrea Jones’ photography. yellow jonquilla (7 Y-Y) with up to 3 they have “breathed new life into It champions the values of good flowers per stem, it received Best the sleeping beauty that was West practices, hard work and the Bloom in the Open Classes 15 – 48 at the Malahide Spring Show in April Dean Gardens.” The narrative of this satisfaction of a job well done – Narcissus “Ella Bell” book is the process of achieving the and, indeed, it was very well done! 2018. It is named for my niece Ella. objectives laid out for the gardens.

32 33 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

single small root. We went through The talk opened with Cor van Around the Regions the Forest Walk along the stream to Gelderen introducing us to his the Chinese Garden, where again parents - a most unusual opening IGPS Newsletter the plants had all been collected but veryJanuary material 2019to the lecture. His by Thomas himself. Most striking parents were both plants-people Leinster Region maples, not only the Japanese ones, but Therealso handsome was tall a Americansuperb patch of bergenia,were the wonderful which berries had on spreadthe and from there wasa single no talk in their house species in beautiful colours. Many Sorbus vilmorinii; and it was a real on any other subject. Plants for Reports by Mary Montaut raresmall trees were root. planted Wealongside went through theprivilege Forest to hear Walk Thomas alongtalking the breakfast,stream lunch to andthe tea! As his Autumn Colour at Tullynally Castle the familiar and native species, about the way the plants cross- lecture progressed, the importance & Gardens, 27 October 2018 Chinese Garden, where again the plants had all been collected by giving constant interest and bred, with S. pseudo-vilmorinii on of this early indoctrination became stimulationThomas to the party.himself. Most strikingone side, were and thethe true wonderfulform on the berriesclear, not just on in thethe extraordinary We were welcomed into the other, to demonstrate the distinction. breadth of his botanical knowledge, gardens at Tullynally by Thomas Sorbus vilmorinii; and it was a real privilege to hear Thomas talking Thomas was a most entertaining We realized that the many different but in his own absorption in every Pakenham, author of several books guide,about as well theas incredibly way the plants cross-bred, whichwith we S. passed pseudo-vilmorinii would aspect of the on plants one themselves. on ‘Remarkable Trees’ who has knowledgeable. He told wonderful require us to make another visit - but planted many trees at Tullynally. side, and the true form on stories all through our tour, my we will just have to wait till the spring! The ‘design’ aspect however He had collected some autumn favouritethe ofother, which was to about demonstrate his was very challenging; it turned leaves to show us at the beginning Sorbus pseudo-vilmorinii ‘duck’ plants. He confessed that he out that he really wanted the of the tour, inviting us to identify the the distinction. We at Tullynally had taken an acorn from the ground landscapes he designed to be different trees from which they had at Kewrealized by slyly carrying that a bagthe which many ‘natural’ - plants which would come, which was a delightful way lookeddiff likeerent innocent magnolias bread for the which happily grow in the specific of challenging us to pay attention. ducks on the lake there: but really conditions of the project. Several As we moved off to the Arboretum, we passed would require this ‘duck bag’ enabled him to of his designs were for roof gardens, he explained what he means by smuggleus to out makethe acorn anotherand bring it tovisit - or had a bare minimum of topsoil. this term: it is definely not a wood Tullynally. These plants are labelled The stands of wild grasses and - it must have Contrast, Colour, but we will just have to with a duck, as well as their botanical spinneys of birch trees bore witness Clearings - it must in short be names.wait As tillwe progressed,the spring! he to the difficult conditions: These managed to display the individual pointed out other ‘duck’ plants, from ‘pioneer’ types grew in abundant trees to special advantage. The trees various places, his impish humour swathes, making landscapes rather were of widely differing ages, with old making us all laugh. than gardens, I felt. vulnerable beeches and oaks kept on although they might crash into the After the Arboretum, we visited the A contrast was Cor’s description newer planting in a storm. Perhaps TibetanSorbus Garden pseudo-vilmorinii where virtually all the at of a project where he had to design ungallantly, he called the last two bad plantsTullynally had been collected by him in a wide and lengthy border, containing storms ‘bitches’ - Ophelia and Ali - Tibet and Yunnan, and it was very virtually nothing but hydrangeas. but this was highly understandable clear that we would all have to visit The slide showed a glorious display when one viewed the torn branches. Tullynally again in the springtime, to of various types, and Cor really gave In spite of this, many of the younger see the glories of the rhododendrons ‘Garden Design as Second himself away when he described trees were in beautiful colour and and‘ meconopsis.Garden Design as Second Nature’Nature’ Report by Cor van Gelderen how much he loves the leaves their characteristic forms showed National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin (H. quercifolia) almost more than splendidly in the clearings and in Report on Joint IGPS/RHSI Lecture by Cor van Gelderen There was a superb patch of 22nd November 2018 the heads of these bulky and groups. There were spectacular bergenia,National which had Botanic spread from Gardens, a Glasnevin 22nd November 2018blousey plants. 34 35 The talk opened with Cor van Gelderen introducing us to his parents - a most unusual opening but very material to the lecture. His parents were both plants-people and there was no talk in their house on any other subject. Plants for breakfast, lunch and tea! As his lecture progressed, the importance of this early indoctrination became clear, not just in the extraordinary breadth of his botanical knowledge, but in his own absorption in every aspect of the plants themselves.

The ‘design’ aspect however was very challenging; it turned out that he really wanted the landscapes he designed to be ‘natural’ - plants which would happily grow in the specific conditions of the project. Several of his designs were for roof gardens, or had a bare minimum of topsoil. The stands of wild grasses and spinneys of birch trees bore

35 IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter February 2019

He was clearly in love with plants, TJ and Simon had bought a very Northern Region shown in the photograph, a lovely just like his forebears. At one stage old house and initially needed to , Sorbus ‘Autumn Spire’, and he asked whether we in Ireland suffer do remedial work on that before Lismacloskey: Report the beech hedge that separates us from ‘Yellow Fever’ - apparently the they were able to move out into IGPS Newsletterfrom the Rectory Garden from the forge and assortedJanuary historic 2019 Dutch tend to avoid yellow in their the garden and create an intimate by Lorna Goldstrom cottages. Visitors will see a blanket of planting. He showed us numerous space to relax, garden and create a There is a feeling of quiet satisfaction thatcompost comes on all thewith beds concluding and we have a superb shrubs and perennials which beautiful picture around their home. year’s workIt hasand been putting a busy anda garden successful to bed.been That putting is saw where and loppers we are to now, form wild-looking clumps of yellow So TJ took us on a journey around year at the Rectory Garden at the work on the more congested shrubs. flowers - golden rod Solidago, day the garden showing us some views mid-November,Ulster Folk with Museum the Lismacloskeydespite some garden;Our Escallonia we resinosaplan to has keep needed going lilies Hemerocallis, - but not a daffodil at different times of the year so one with weeklyof our work volunteers sessions having tountil take earlytime Decembersome discipline, when but we we do enjoywill itswind in sight. He happily plants subjects could get an idea of how TJ made down. Notout much for health colour reasons. now, Following apart thatstrong is from wafts ofthe curry. Mahonia The Eucryphia ‘Winter which will flourish in the specific site, the garden and planting work to ‘Castlewellan’ is still flowering, Sun’ shownthe successin the of thephotograph, 30th anniversary a lovely Rowan, Sorbus ‘Autumn no matter where they originate from; provide interest at different seasons. celebration last year of the likewise Hypericum ‘Rowallane’, and indeed, he was at pains to avoid all Because the space is quite small, Spire’, andpartnership the beech between hedge the IGPS that and separatesthe penstemons us from which the don’t forge seem toand kinds of preciousness in his talk, so you had to be very disciplined in your assorted historicthe Folk Museum, cottages. we were Visitors asked willrealise see it’sa blanket November. of It’s compost not exactly on no particular emphasis on ‘native’ use of plants so that they worked for all the bedsby andthe Museum we have to organise been anotherputting sawbeen and an easy loppers summer, to with work the on the or ‘wild-life friendly’ plants. It was you. But you could extend your view drought that punished the sweet more congestedgarden-themed shrubs. day on Our 8th August.Escallonia resinosa has needed some a most refreshing and amusing outward by cutting a window in the There were a variety of attractions on peas so severely and shrivelled the lecture, and his modesty in hedge and bringing a lovely frame of discipline, thebut day we including do enjoy a plant itssale strongwhich waftsprimula of foliage curry. – though The these Eucryphia have presenting such radical and the local church spire into the garden. ‘Castlewellan’raised isabout still £400 flowering, and our Chairman, likewise now Hypericum made a comeback. ‘Rowallane’, But the and challenging ideas for planting the penstemonsBilly McCone, which planted don’t Escallonia seem to realiseonly casualty it’s we’veNovember. had all year It’s has not gardens was utterly delightful. Another important factor is scent and been our Chaenomeles ‘Rowallane exactly been‘Alice’ an to markeasy the summer,occasion. This with the drought that punished the TJ has placed plants to maximise Escallonia was bred by C. F. Ball of Seedling’, which having been Munster Region the effect in areas you might sit and sweet peasthe then soRoyal severelyBotanic Gardens and at munched up by rabbits last year, now enjoy a cup of tea and be engulfed shrivelledGlasnevin the primula and named forfoliage his bride; – appears to have expired altogether. Report by Janet Edwardes in the sweet perfume of a rose, for though theseCharles haveFrederick now Ball wasmade killed ata Patthana: lecture by T J Maher example. Eleagnus ‘Quicksilver’ is comeback.Gallipoli But during the the only Great casualtyWar. In mid- Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’ a plant which has earned its place September, Marion Allen gave a talk growing in the Rectory Garden. Our November lecture was given by for both scent and foliage. Pots are we’ve hadon theall historicalyear hasbackground been of someour This is a sister plant to the well- T J Maher from Patthana Garden used to great effect with key plants Chaenomelesof the plants‘Rowallane grown in theSeedling’, garden as known Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ in Kiltegan. Some of our members which can be moved around at will which havingpart ofbeen an educational munched project up run by and was a seedling selected, raised had been to visit his garden and change the whole palette in by the Museum while at the end of and introduced by the former a second. Another very important rabbits last year, now appears to Slieve Donard Nursery at during the summer and were very have expiredthe samealtogether. month we ran a quiz for impressed with the artistic and dimension to the garden for TJ and children, ‘Garden Insects – Friends or Newcastle, Co. Down. romantic atmosphere of the garden. Simon is the wildlife they share it Foes’, during the Museum’s annual TJ explained that the garden was with. No chemicals are used and thus Mahonia x mediaWildlife ‘Winter Hunt. Sun’ growing in the situated in the middle of the town the birds, bees and butterflies and Rectory Garden. This is a sister plant to the and thus the garden was mainly to other creatures have found a very well-known ThereMahonia is a feelingx media of quiet ‘Charity’ satisfaction and the rear of the property. safe habitat to make their home. TJ was a seedlingthat comes selected, with concluding raised a year’sand has used his artist’s eye to make this introduced workby the and puttingformer a gardenSlieve toDonard bed. space a most beautiful oasis where Nursery at Newcastle,Not much colour Co. Down. now, apart that you would not want to leave. is from the Mahonia ‘Winter Sun’

36 While we work in the garden every 37

Wednesday morning for most of the year, we plan to turn up once a month during the worst of the winter months to keep everything ticking over. We have been very lucky and received a present of some bulbs of Narcissus 'Countess of Annesley'; they have been planted and we look forward to seeing them bloom along with the others in our collection of Irish daffodils, almost 40 now.

38 IGPS Newsletter IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPSJanuary Newsletter 2019 February 2019 ‘From Show Gardens the pond liner, glass panels and the large rocks, which are then recycled While we work in the garden every recurva ‘Castlewellan’, to Antrim and to Real Gardens’ for future show gardens. package whereWednesday we intend morning for mostto ofcollect Newtownabbey and store Borough Council. quality photographs for the year, we plan to turn up once Present at the ceremonial planting use in our publications. Report by Barbara Kelso After the gorgeous show garden a month during the worst of the in Antrim Castle Gardens are Maeve pictures, we admired some beautiful winter months to keep everything Bell, Billy McCone, Chair IGPS, Roz Malone House in Belfast, beautifully photos of real gardens they had ticking over. We have been very lucky Henry, Ted McKeever, a gardener at decorated for Christmas, was the designed and constructed for clients and received a present of some bulbs the Castle Gardens, Paul Michael, Our latest initiative is for a discount scheme with severalvenue nurseries for Oliver Schurmann‘s within Ireland and Germany. Oliver of Narcissus ‘Countess of Annesley’; the Mayor, Victor Henry and Yvonne lecture ‘From Show Gardens to Real said he aims to create a dynamic they have been planted and we look Penpraze. Not only are the Council agreeing to offer discounts to IGPS members; still in the initialGardens’. stages, Oliver and his wife, Liat, garden, where his planting schemes forward to seeing them bloom along and the Society co-operating in the own Mount Venus Nursery set in a develop and grow into well- balanced with the others in our collection of development of a new garden to we hope to announce the participating retailers later in the year.Victorian walled garden in the Dublin and sustainable gardens. His Irish daffodils, almost 40 now. complement the historic cottage at hills and for over 20 years they have intention is to make the gardens Pogue’s Entry but the Council gives been growing a wide range of hardy low maintenance by using diverse Tree Plantings at valuable support to the Society by garden-worthy plants. planting which will grow well and is A great year andCastle a Gardens,great Antrim team – thanksmaking the everyone. Old Courthouse in Antrim suited to the design and location. available free of charge for two Oliver began his well-illustrated One of his designs showed a garden As part of its campaign to raise lectures a year. talk explaining that he and Liat transformation from a sloping front awareness of plants with Irish origins, have a passion for creating exciting lawn to a dry- stone wall terraced Billy McCone the Society recently presented a show gardens to display and share garden in concentric circles around young Castlewellan juniper, Juniperus innovative and inspiring ideas with a raised pond. The pond was kept the public. They want each of their topped up by rainwater from the gardens to capture an atmosphere, house roof and the water remained so that one feels enclosed and clear as it overflowed the rim of the comfortable within them. Starting pond and was filtered through a reed back in 2005 at RHS Hampton Court bed. Oliver also gave us interesting Show, they had created a beautiful examples of design tricks to make a water garden ‘Walk on Water’ small garden look bigger. inspired by the coastal landscape of Kerry. Stepping stones appeared It was an inspiring talk and many to ‘float’ on the water surface and ideas were gained from his wonderful natural stones surrounded by water pictures of fabulous gardens. created rocky islands. We were treated to many other pictures of their show gardens over the years, with the majority of them gaining Gold and Best in Category/Show at Bloom in Dublin. At the end of each show when the garden has to be dismantled, Oliver keeps many of the hard landscaping materials, such as

38 39

As part of its campaign to raise awareness of plants with Irish origins, the Society recently presented a young Castlewellan juniper, Juniperus recurva 'Castlewellan', to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Present at the ceremonial planting in Antrim Castle Gardens are Maeve Bell, Billy McCone, Chair IGPS, Roz Henry, Ted McKeever, a gardener at the Castle Gardens, Paul Michael, the Mayor, Victor Henry and Yvonne Penpraze. Not only are the Council and the Society co-operating in the development of a new garden to complement the historic cottage at Pogue's Entry but the Council gives valuable support to the Society by making the Old Courthouse in Antrim available free of charge for two lectures a year.

Maeve Bell

4 IGPS Newsletter January 2019

The authors Jim Buckland and Sarah Wain, are first and foremost, gardeners – “not horticulturalists, designers, managers but dirt under the nails gardeners” and over the past twenty-seven years they have “breathed new life into the sleeping beauty that was West Dean Gardens.” The narrative of this book is the process of achieving the objectives laid out for the gardens.

Though it is almost impossible to separate exceptional horticulture practices from gardening excellence - process from product – it is clear that at West Dean process leads the way. There is here an uncompromising and absolutely diligent attention to the very best of good gardening practices. There are no short cuts; there is no taking the easy way out; there is nothing less than perfect. There is a right way to do every gardening job – from grass cutting, to lawn edging, to organising a glasshouse regime, to training and pruning fruit trees, to growing vegetables and the ever so many mundane and daily tasks of any garden, and this right way is the only way employed at West Dean. It is an example of horticultural practices of the highest calibre and, not surprisingly, the gardens – the product of all these processes – is sublimely beautiful.

Jim Buckland describes the processes of work in West Dean in an insightful and informative narrative which is wonderfully illustrated by

AndreaIGPS Newsletter Jones’ photography.February 2019 It championsIGPS Newsletter the values of goodFebruary 2019 practices, hard work and the satisfaction of a job well done – and, indeed, it wasDates very for Your well Diary done! Dates for Your Diary Saturday February 23 2019 at 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Thursday 21 March 2019 at 7.30 pm Planting with Bees (and Other Pollinators) in Mind - Mary ‘My Thirty Best Plants’ with Bob Brown Montaut National Botanic Gardens Glasnevin Antrim Old Courthouse, Market Square, Antrim BT41 4AW No matter how small a space you may have to plant flowers, Bob Brown, owner of Cotswold Garden Flowers nursery, has Mary Montaut aims to help you choose plants which will encour- a life- long obsession with gardening and is known for having age both honey bees and wild pollinators to visit. opinions (many very critical) about all the 16-17 thousand kinds of plants he’s grown or tried to grow. He oversees the RHS AGM herbaceous trials and he is a prolific writer, having a regular section in ‘Which? Gardening’. Bob is also holder of the Veitch Memorial Medal awarded for the Science and Ad- vancement of Horticulture. His specialist nursery, based in Eve- Tansysham, stocks a huge range of unusual perennials, with a focus on good old-fashioned plants, newly introduced plants bred not only for colour and form but for vigour as well, and plants newly Tanacetumintroduced from the vulgare wild. Refreshments provided, plant raffle on the evening. Everyone is welcome! with visiting hoverfly

Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare with visiting hoverfly Saturday 11 May 2019 Northern Region Garden Visit The first visit of the year will be to the Garden of Lady Anthea Forde at Seaforde, County Down on 11th May and is limited to Members and their Guests. Further details will be available on the Website and in the April Newsletter.

40 3341 Hallowe’en Display at Hallowe’enthe Display Botanic at Gardens, the BotanicGlasnevin Gardens, GlasnevinOctober 2018 October 2018

IGPS Newsletter February 2019 IGPS Newsletter Hallowe’enFebruary Display 2019 at the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Hallowe’enOctober Display2018 at the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin October 2018

SEED DISTRIBUTION Dianthus'Chomley SCHEME 2019 Dianthus'Farran',Chomley a sport of an Farran', aunnamed sport of anseedling, Dianthus’ Chomley Despite a year of very strange weather and the tardinessunnamed found seedling, in Dublin around Dianthus'Chomley Farran’, a sport of an of seed ripening, I have received some excellent seedsfound in Dublin1975 aroundby Chomley Farran', a sport of an unnamed seedling, for this years seed list from a very dedicated bunch of1975 byFarran Chomley in his collection. unnamed seedling, Farran in hisNo collection.longer listed inthefound in Dublin around found in Dublin collectors and huge thanks are due to them. I hope that 1975 by Chomley around 1975 by No longerUK listed Plant inthe Finder, but in you will find something on the seed list to whet your Farran in his collection. Chomley Farran in UK Plant tradeFinder, in butthe USA.in No longer listed inthe gardening appetites and look forward to the influx of his collection. No trade in the USA. UK Plant Finder, but in requests. Please do fill in the second choice numbers in trade in the USA. longer listed in the case your first choices have already been depleted. UK Plant Finder, but in trade in the USA. Please do remember that you are sure to have some seeds of interest to other members and even you only manage a few, we would love to include them in next years seed list. As ever the number of contributors is small and it would be so helpful if a few more members were to contribute.

Leinster Plant Sale Debbie Bailey October 2018

Leinster Plant Sale October 2018

Leinster Plant Sale Leinster PlantOctober Sale 2018 October 2018

42 43 IRISH GARDEN PLANT SOCIETY

C/O: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9

Contact Us: Website www.irishgardenplantsociety.com www.facebook.comIrishGardenPlantSociety https://twitter.com/igpstweets

Email Addresses: Email: [email protected] Northern Region [email protected] Leinster Region [email protected] Munster Region [email protected] Irish Heritage Plants [email protected] Newsletter Editor [email protected]

Officers: Chairman Billy McCone Phone: +0044 112 44568 Email: [email protected]

Hon. Sec. Claire Peacocke 28 Madison Avenue, Belfast, BT15 5BX Email: [email protected]

Membership Applications: Nichola Monk 5 Sixth Avenue Baylands, Bangor County Down BT20 5JU Phone: 07828 434 350

Registered Charity No. CHY 7893