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Why have some flowers been forgotten?

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By Debby Looney, gardening expert

It seems that every day new plants are created with a variety of colours and shapes of leaves/flowers… all with patents and rights attached so growers/inventors can make money, and consumers continue to buy.

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And designers also have the opportunity to make beautiful new labels to entice us. So many of these have short life spans, and cannot withstand our weather. They are hyped up, the market is flooded, the trend is set, and the customer buys. We are all victim to it, myself included.

However, what of the old plants, the reliable ones our grandparents grew? In the vegetable world they would be known as heirloom varieties. In the fashion industry it is called vintage. In the gardening world they are called boring! In recent years, as I see one thing after another failing, I am beginning to appreciate the boring plants!

Take Potentillas for example, they come in red, orange, cream, yellow, flower all summer from April onwards, need no pruning or dead-heading, and are generally disease free and hardy. Why have they been forgotten? ‘Yellow Queen’, ‘Primrose Beauty’, ‘Abbotswood white’ and ‘Red Ace’ are excellent varieties.

Spirea is another plant which is not as popular as it should be. ‘Snowmound’ has delicate bright green leaves on arching branches. In early spring it is covered in pure white flowers. ‘Goldmound’ has bright red new foliage which turns a lovely shade of gold, and flowers pink throughout the summer. ‘Golden Princess’ and ‘Little Princess’ are dwarf varieties.

Astilbe, also commonly called Spirea, is a perennial with spikes of red, pink, cream or white flowers. They are great fillers, and will grow in any soil. Slug and rabbit resistant - a must have. Shasta daisies are also reliable, however, go for the original single flowered one. All the funky, spiky, double types need care and attention and well-drained soil!

Cistus, or rockrose, is another old-fashioned plant which has fallen out of favour. I am not sure why, as it is compact, free-flowering, evergreen and easy to grow! There are many varieties to choose from, but mainly pink and white. It is advisable to cut it back by half after flowering, to prevent it going woody and too big.

It is not just in the world of shrubs and perennials that old favourites are pushed aside. Are you growing Alyssum? The white and blue borders, as they are known, are forgotten about! Also marigolds, and especially Tagetes, are not that popular but they keep midges away, and their scent is delicious. Pretty yellow flowers, they withstand wind, rain and heat. Ageratum always reminds me of my grandmother, and as such I always have it - but it is so hard to get it is almost rare! Salvia is another bedding plant which has been left by the wayside, but show me another red as vibrant!

So, even though new plants are exciting, it is worthwhile building a garden around tried and tested reliables. It is after 15 years of spending money, digging out and transplanting, disappointment and questioning myself as a gardener, that I come to you with this advice!

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World Rally Champion Phil Mills’ Killarney visit

Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month. The club is celebrating Prodrive’s […]

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Former World co-driving champion Phil Mills will be one of the guests of honour at a special Killarney and District Motor Club event next month.

The club is celebrating Prodrive’s association with the Rally of the Lakes on October 14.

The legendary British motorsport preparation firm was responsible for building some of the most iconic associated with the local rally.

The celebration, which will raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation, will be hosted by the voice of Irish motorsport Alan ‘Plum’ Tyndall.

Welshman Mills, who won the 2003 World Rally Championship, alongside Petter Solberg has confirmed his attendance at the Killarney Racecourse-based event.

He is just one of many superstars attending the showcase.
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“Accompanying the stars will be a collection of iconic Prodrive machinery, ranging from the BMW E30 M3, all the way through to the Subaru Group A and World Rally Cars the 1990s and early 2000s,” said Killarney and District Motor Club vice chairman and organiser Mike Shea.

“All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Jack & Jill foundation helping provide support and special care to children across the country and is a once in a lifetime event.”

This event is in association with: Lyons of Limerick; C.Wharton Tool Hire Ltd; BG Motors Ltd; Castleisland Tyre Centre; Aherns Motor Group; Reen’s Rathmore Peugeot; KC Print and Moriarty’s Central Car Sales

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National Park Autumn talks series 2023

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November. Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will […]

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The National Parks and Wildlife Service will run a series of talks on Thursday nights in October and November.

Beginning on October 5 until November 16 the six-meeting programme will cover everything for the nature within the national park to the history of Killarney and its surrounding areas.

The opening lecture, by the NPWS’s Eamon Meskell will tell the story of the White-Tailed eagle in Killarney.

The following week, local historian, Owen O’Shea will deliver a speech on the Civil War in Kerry.

The final October talk is scheduled for October and its topic is the fungi growing in the park.

The lectures resume in November, on November 2, John Breen will talk about the various ant species in the park, the following week will feature a talk on the McShain family’s contribution to the town.

The final meeting, on November 16 covers the Blasket Islands, past present and future.

All events take place at Killarney House at 8pm – free admission but limited seating.

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