Top-tips for Healthy Gardens

The best thing you can do with your garden is to work with what you have. Endless hours can go into changing soil, changing drainage or getting something to grow that simply doesn’t want to. Even in a small place like Ireland, we have an endless diversity of climates and conditions – compare a boggy site in the Midlands with a seaside on the West coast. To garden successfully, the first step is to understand the predominant conditions which will ultimately determine what you can and cannot grow.

Shelter is important for any house and garden, and the first place to start is the boundaries. If you live in the countryside or an area which is essentially rural, by and large you should choose plants to match what is traditionally grown in the area. Typical plants for hedges are hawthorn, holly and blackthorn, and area ideal because they deter animals such as sheep and cattle, but encourage wildlife through their berries and flowers. Most areas of Ireland have particular plants which thrive in the local conditions: think of the Fuchsia hedges of West Cork and Kerry, or clipped hedges of Ash and Beech in Wicklow, Wexford and other counties on the East coast. In suburban settings the choice of plants for your boundary is far greater, and the thorns and spikes of some of the native plants are less desirable, can harbour litter and be difficult to maintain. There is less need to ‘blend in’ with the surrounding environment in urban and suburban areas where, to a degree, anything goes.

Within your garden, always choose plants suitable to the general conditions. Don’t be afraid to plant things around the base of the house; this is done in many countries, and it shows off the house very nicely. If you are lucky enough to have a south or west facing wall, this could be one of the best spots in your garden for planting. Most houses are able for this if you avoid species with invasive roots such as Willow, Poplar or Cherry. Sunny areas beside the house, and especially near the kitchen, are good places for herbs such as Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano and Fennel. A sunny wall is also a good place for training a fruit tree against such as an apple, plum or pear.

TOP TIPS FOR HEALTHY GARDENS
1 Get to know all about your site: soil, climate, winds, aspect and so on, and choose plants to suit.
2 Choose plants that have flowers, berries, seeds or fruit for wildlife
3 Buy Irish-grown plants wherever possible.
4 Reduce hard surfaces to a minimum as they lead to excess water run-off
5 Choose Irish materials whenever possible: there is a great selection in this country.
6 Don’t throw anything out: compost your garden waste and reduce your waste bill.
7 Reduce the amount of lawn you mow regularly. If you have a large lawn, consider turning some of it to meadow, and strim this twice a year.
8 Have some edible plants in the garden: a fruit tree, soft fruits, herbs or vegetables.
9 Consider having a pond in the garden: it can be no more than metre across and does not require pumps or filters – you’ll be amazed by what shows up in it!
10 If you need light fittings, choose the most up-to-date LED lights or solar-powered lights.