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Salvias are valuable plants for any gardener

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By Debby Looney, gardening expert

One plant which I think is a super addition to borders and pots is the salvia. There are many to choose from, but there are two broad differences, one is the bedding salvia, with its spikes of fire-engine-red flowers – though they come in cream and purple also.

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These have become less popular with gardeners over the years, as slugs eat them with relish. I have found the product 'Grazers’, a spray, excellent as a slug repellent. As an aside, ‘Grazers’ also do a rabbit, deer, lily beetle and caterpillar repellent, all of which are organically certified and perfectly safe to use. They are also quite effective products. Secondly, everyone knows the herb salvia, or sage which goes perfect with chicken, roast squash or parma ham, it is a flavour of autumn.

However, there are over 500 salvias to choose from, and happily, nurseries are taking notice of them. This year a notable addition to most garden centre stock is the hybrid Wish collection. There are three; ‘Love and Wishes’, ‘Ember’s Wish’ and ‘Wendy’s Wish’. Being the greedy gardener I am, I planted all three, and have been rewarded by large bushy plants with masses of colour. I planted them in a free draining, sunny part of the garden, where they have plenty of space. The plants themselves reach about 80cm, flower spikes being at least 20cm long in colours pink, aubergine and orange.

Another beauty is S. Amistad, which every garden with a flower border should have. They grow up to 1.2m, with lush dark green foliage, topped by dark blue flowers. The calyces (the bit the flower comes out of!) are almost black, giving it a fantastically dramatic look. S. nemerosa is a hardy variety, used in Irish gardens for years, as it spreads happily keeping weeds at bay. ‘New Dimension Blue’ is a lovely variety, with rich blue flower spikes. S. nemerosa does not grow that tall, about 30cm. It is also one of the few salvias which will tolerate heavy soil and a lot of winter rain.

S. roemeriana ‘Hot Trumpets’ is also a low growing spreading salvia, about 30cm, with the brightest red flower spikes I have yet to see rivalled! It grows well in dappled shade, adding great splashes of colour. Another red is S. x jamensis ‘Hot Lips’. It is an evergreen perennial, which loves full sun. It grows to about 50cm, and has flowers from April through to the first frosts. The flowers are bicoloured red and white, like little flags. ‘Killer Cranberry’ is another beauty with magenta flowers.

All salvias are attractive to bees and other pollinators, and as such are valuable plants for any gardener. They look great grouped with other perennials, as well as in pots or on their own in beds.

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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