Fermanagh gardeners delighted by insights from ‘Insomniac Gardener’

Although she thought that she was “banging on again to the converted”, there was so much she covered in her media presentation that no-one could have gone away without new ideas and valuable tips.

Many present already follow her on social media and had visited her garden as part of a tour in June. She spoke on the topic of ‘The Greedy Gardener’, or how to have plants for every season.

The property that Rosie manages had been abandoned for 50 years and she moved into it in 2002, following its restoration by the previous owner.

Rosie was blessed with the presence of mature lime, ash and sycamore trees on the three-acre site.

Areas are separated by hoggin gravel paths. She is ably assisted by her willing husband with a roving sack trolly, moving items back and forth – a husband who ‘chooses’ trees and plants for every birthday, Christmas and anniversary present!

Whilst her husband is more of a landscaper, Rosie is definitely the plantswoman in the relaxed style of gardening in which she operates.

Much of her philosophy is “by trowel and error”, and hating spaces, she is always keen to fill any gap that develops, and is a firm believer that any plant in profusion is better than weeds taking over the ground, be they tulips, foxgloves and even cow parsley.

Many plant recommendations were given throughout the evening, peppered with her gardening anecdotes delivered in her usual amiable style.

A lover of all shapes and sizes of pots, and a dab hand at display, Rosie utilises her husband with the sack trolly to constantly change things around, depending on the season.

Her late father’s advice was that anything can be used as a planter, and her garden incorporates redundant farm items from a bygone era, even including famine pots and zinc baths.

Always with a keen eye on gardening economically, she will check the bottom of plants in garden centres to see how she can divide them up to create additional plants.

Often impatient to see progress on her plot, Rosie will often be found outdoors from morning to evening in her happy place.

The Mediterranean courtyard was created within the walls of an old farm building and required the removal of 80 tonnes of muck to leave a pleasant place to relax and entertain. Other projects are in the pipeline.

Rosie’s entertaining talk had the gardening folk spellbound on the edge of their seats, and they can only but look forward to her return again.

Tips and advice at Fermanagh Gardening Society’s October meeting 

Following a short AGM, Fermanagh Gardening Society’s (FGS) October meeting took the form of Gardener’s Question Time.

The panel included FGS members Barbara Carleton and Dorothy Jervis, who were joined by Philip Stewart from Magherafelt to answer questions posed by members.

This proved to be a very informative and interesting meeting, addressing many topics.

Drawing on their wide range of experience and expertise, the panel were able to offer sound advice on a wide range of issues ranging from pruning hydrangea and the best plants for pollinators in winter, to recommending the most useful tools for gardening. 

All of the panelists are well-known and respected gardeners. Dorothy owns the beautiful Sea View garden in Donegal, which she opens to raise funds to dig wells in Africa with ‘Fields of Life’.

Barbara is Head Gardener at the beautiful gardens at Aughintaine, and is much sought after for her vast horticultural knowledge.

Philip, from Yew Cottage Garden, has received much media attention in recent times (see his Instagram account, @yewcottagegarden).

The Society’s next meeting

The next meeting of Fermanagh Gardening Society will be held on Tuesday, November 15 in the Killyhevlin Hotel’s Lisgoole Suite, when the speaker will be John Smyth from Belvedere Walled Garden, Mullingar, who will share with the group, ‘Secrets of Belvedere Gardens’.

Please note this meeting will start at the earlier time of 7.30pm, for this month only. Everyone is welcome, and visitors £5.