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Sweet September
September borrows of summer but whispers of autumn.
A big change occurs during the month. At the start, summer flowers are still going and the early hints of autumn are just hints. At its best, it can be a tranquil month of gentle calm and sunshine, and there is often a late surge of growth, an opportunity to get bulbs planted and some kinds of seeds sown.
In Plant profile, Finola Reid describes one of the most stately beauties of the garden — the Cape lily or crinum and its relatives. Rae McIntyre visits a garden near Derry that uses old roses extensively. As autumn heathers flower, we review the role these plants play in gardens. Dick Warner finds that white butterflies are taking more than their share.
In Design desk, Gabriele Sanio offers a design to transform a large rural garden that has extensive lawns and car parking but few plants. Former MEP, entertainer Dana favours the oak as her favourite plant when she spoke recently to Yvonne Gordon. Catherine Fulvio suggests interesting recipes using basil. Mary Davies reviews newly published books.
If you are thinking of a short break this autumn, we have a selection of possibilities, and the good deals that are available. This month, it will be time to start feeding garden birds and we have answers to frequently asked questions. And, as always, The Irish Garden has plenty of tips, ideas and advice for you in Garden care and Know-how.
And please remember to support suppliers who advertise goods and services with The Irish Garden!
Cover image: Crinum x powellii
Good gardening!
CONTENTS
GARDEN CARE
04 Ornamental garden
10 Kitchen garden
14 Greenhouse and indoor plants
48 How to raise new plants — taking cuttings
PLANTS AND GARDENS
16 GARDEN VISIT: Warmth and scent!
Soft brick walls are the perfect setting for old roses, and these two elements form an important part of the garden at Streeve Hill near Limavady, as Rae McIntyre discovered.
22 PLANT PROFILE: Charismatic Cape lily
Utterly beautiful, this stately flower adds a touch of class when it flowers in late summer or early autumn. Finola Reid outlines its origins and how to look after it.
28 PLANT FEATURE: Heathers — beauty or beast?
Opinion is divided about heathers but, love’em or hate’em, there is a place for heathers in most gardens. Gerry Daly reviews the possibilities.
70 HEAD GARDENER: Anja Gohlke is head gardener at Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co. Galway.
74 HOUSE PLANTS: Claire Woods grows her own coffee plant!
GARDEN DESIGN
32 DESIGN DESK: Gabriele Sanio tackles the empty spaces of a large rural garden.
38 GARDEN INSPIRATION: Smoking September
40 KNOW HOW: feedback from our readers
Ask a question about a gardening problem
Pass on a useful tip to other readers, or tell us about your success story … and win a prize!
Expert advice and ideas
Shirley Lanigan
Rachel Darlington
REFLECTIONS
58 GARDEN HISTORY: Seamus O’Brien outlines the history of the gardens at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow and their links with the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.
49 NATURE GARDEN: Dick Warner contends with an undesirable butterfly effect.
62 NOTEBOOK: South Brian Cross
Dark dahlias, spotted arum, polygonatum and bomarea
63 NOTEBOOK: North Rae McIntyre
Protection for crocuses, feeding hellebores and winter iris
73 OVERLEAF: Mary Davies reviews new book releases.
80 WEEKENDER: In the country with Mary Davies.
LIFESTYLE
64 COOKING WITH FRESH HERBS: Catherine Fulvio’s delicious recipes for Balsamic Basil Pork with Olives and Basil, White Chocolate and Pistachio Biscuits
66 WELLBEING
FEATURES
31 FAVOURITE PLANT: Entertainer Dana told Yvonne Gordon about her favourite plant.
50 FEATURE: Short breaks and special offers around the country this autumn.
54 FEATURE: 10 tips to encourage wild birds into your garden
56 STYLE ESSENTIALS: the latest accessories and equipment with Lindie Naughton.
76 SERVICES: Classified advertising, Update.
78 GARDEN CLUB NOTES — what’s on in September.