Paddy Tobin, An Irish Gardener
Our garden, gardens visited, occasional thoughts and book reviews
He spends some time each day admiring himself in the glass of the glasshouse though the pecking at the glass might indicate he is not entirely happy with what he sees there. I suppose he imagines it is another cock in his territory and he could not abide that. On other occasions he will stand … Continue reading The Photoshoot.
We were sitting in Elsie Power's Bar at the bottom of The Fair Lane in Dungarvan, my father and I, when he took a notebook from the inside pocket of his sports jacket. After retirement he had been asked by a few families who had known him for many years to do some light gardening … Continue reading Just Tipping Around!
There was a breeze here today that would skin a brass monkey and the few minutes we spent gardening - repotting a few succulent plants - left our fingers feeling frozen so we quickly called a halt. The Head Gardener retired to the warmth of the house while I went over the road to see … Continue reading Seizing the Moment!
"Do you know what's looking nice at the moment?" is a regular comment in our garden with one of us bringing a plant that is looking well to the other's attention. Today it was Mary telling me that Lamium orvala was in full flower and was looking especially good. With the common name of "dead … Continue reading Sticky-Back Power
Waterford, south-east Ireland, Friday, 2nd April 2021 The return from the garden was greater than the effort given this week. Poor weather hindered any chance of doing a bit outside earlier in the week and other things interfered at the latter end but, despite my lack of input, there has been a wonderful burst of … Continue reading Bloomin’ Brilliant!
Waterford, south-east Ireland. Saturday, 27th March 2021 The title is borrowed from a new book from Thames & Hudson which they describe as "an uplifting manifesto in which David Hockney and his long-time friend Martin Gayford reflect on our extraordinary period of confinement, and art’s capacity to divert and inspire." Of course, those who are … Continue reading Spring Cannot be Cancelled!
Still looking good after a long day. The amorous activities are long under way before we reach the kitchen in the morning. Nothing deters this pheasant in his pursuit of the remaining two hens in the garden. It is our presumption that the other resident hens are already sitting on nests, perhaps already hatching eggs, … Continue reading Stamina with Style!
Waterford, south-east Ireland. 20th. March 2021 Sometimes progress in the garden is in small steps and in any one day it can seem that not a lot has been done but looking back at the end of the week can be rewarding and encouraging. Deadheading snowdrops was a gentle start to the gardening week. We … Continue reading The Spuds are In!
The garden is presently not a place of peace. There hasn't been an unleashing of uncontrolled, or even controlled, violence but there is a seething anger which threatens the tranquility usually associated with this gardening pastime. Wildlife is part and parcel of our garden: birds, even those which might be considered pest species - pheasants … Continue reading Liam Neeson Saves the Purple King.
Waterford, south-east Ireland. Saturday, 13th March, 2021 It was the Brave Little Tailor who boasted of "seven at one blow", a misinterpreted statement which lead him to many adventures defeating giants, capturing a ferocious unicorn, marrying a princess and ruling half of the kingdom. I don't think my "three out of seven" will bring even … Continue reading Three out of Seven!
