At Last...

We're out of the woods here as the weather has improved beyond all expection. Scented flowers, viburnums and skimmias lighten the heart and lure us into the ever greener gardens.

What at beautiful day...

Woodlands

Much fuss has been made of the deforestation of Ireland and of the fact that the island is still relatively lacking in tree cover, when compared with mainland Europe.

This may offer some consolation... Addendum for Davimack: " http://ingeb.org/songs/cillchai.html" The famous lament for the felled trees in Cill Chais (Kilcash) is one of the many references to the destruction of Irish forests. Wood was needed for ship building over the centuries and oak was particularly needed. The Kylemore Valley was once a vast natural oak forest and remnants of native woodland can be found throughout the country.

The sense of regret for this loss is not always shared by those who do not find trees interesting.

And there is a cultural significance linked to the presence of trees in planted estates that can be quite sad:
"For the house of the Planter, is known by the trees."

This is from Austin Clarke's poem, "The Planter's Daughter".

Winter Landscapes

Although there is a strangely early bud burst in some secluded gardens, the wintery look continues to make the countryside look stark.

Round the World for Sport

Some rummaging in Technorati has paid off.

There are numerous environmentalists
who plant trees and many are listed in the
Blog Directory there.

The latest find teaches about planting in desert conditions.
  Shall address this further once the heady feeling
 brought about by becoming a member of
The Irish Blogosphere
wears off.

The greenhouse is calling out for attention.
  A busy week of seed sowing lies ahead