I was born and raised in Dublin, and that’s where my love for Ireland’s native plants took root. As a child, my family would often take trips to the countryside or the Wicklow Mountains. These outings sparked a fascination with the wildflowers and landscapes that make Ireland so unique. My parents encouraged me to learn about the plants we encountered, and I’d spend hours looking up their names and how they thrived. Encyclopedias were my friend, way before the days of the phones and tablets. That’s anothe post btw. Grrr.
Our small family garden in Dublin was my first playground for experimentation. I’d plant whatever seeds I could get my hands on, mostly from Gran and GranDa and watch with curiosity as they grew—or didn’t. This early trial-and-error approach taught me a lot about patience and the joys of gardening. Even now, I think back to those days when I’m tending my gardens in Connemara or Spain. Although they’re really quite different, it’s quite lovely to think that those formative years have given me so much knowledge. Dublin might not seem like the ideal place for a budding naturalist, but it was full of hidden green spaces and opportunities to learn. Places like the National Botanic Gardens were my sanctuary, a spot where I could explore and deepen my understanding of Irish flora. Those childhood visits which were also free laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion which just doesn’t leave me.
As I got older, my love of gardening evolved from merely a childhood hobby to a meaningful way to engage with the earth and protect and experiment with Ireland’s indigenous flora. It also made me relax and kind of let myself look at my life in a different way. Even now, I experience that same butterfly feeling whenever I come across a cluster of wild bog rosemary or a vibrant display of oxeye daisies along the shore. I hope to share my passion with you through this blog.