Spring 2018 – Horticulture news

Nangle & Niesen report on UK plant health and biosecurity conference

Ronan Nangle reports for HC on his recent visit to a conference on plant health and biosecurity at Highgrove House in Gloucester in the UK.

The conference was organised in conjunction with The Royal Horticultural Society, Woodland Heritage, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and The National Trust. It was hosted by Alan Titchmarsh and addressed by Lord Gardiner (the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity), Professor Dr. Nicola Spence (Chief Plant Health Officer to the UK Government), the Secretary of State for DEFRA Michael Gove and HRH Prince Charles.

It brought together all sectors within the arboriculture, agriculture, forestry and horticulture industries and the assembled audience covered the owners and managers of many of Europe’s leading nurseries, UK importers, leading garden and landscape designers, foresters, contractors among others. The conference initially dealt with the threat we face in the area of plant health and biosecurity (particularly from Xylella fastidiosa) and then moved on to how we might address these issues and the actions we as an industry need to take.

In the first instance, it was agreed that a system of certification for nurseries is needed to ensure that all are implementing good practice in this area, particularly those that are exporting. Traceability on the supply chain right back to the source was also seen as essential so that in the event of any infection being discovered, the source of the outbreak can quickly be pinpointed and isolated.

The issue of border controls and quarantines was discussed but it was felt that these may not be that effective given the logistics involved and the fact that, for instance, Xylella fastidiosa can take up to 18 months to become evident.

All attendees further agreed that there needs to be much more information and education available to the industry as a whole and to the wider public. Effective communication and collaboration will be vital in combating any infections and more importantly in preventing any future outbreaks. A dedicated member of staff in every nursery and plant retail outlet should be trained and given responsibility for biosecurity within that organisation. Around this issue lies an opportunity for Irish nurseries in that if we can keep Ireland infection free and provide continued assurance to the UK market of this, there is potential to satisfy the demand for plants that are currently being filled from Europe. Within our own marketplace using Irish nurseries to select trees and plants increases our national biosecurity and lessens the risk of importing stock with Xylella, Chalara fraxinea, oak processionary moth or any of the other pests and diseases that are prevalent in parts of Europe. ✽

Rough terrain no problem for John Deere X950r Direct Collect Diesel Mower

Dublin Grass Machinery is enthusiastic about the new John Deere X950R Direct Collect Diesel Mower. Robert Mitchell tells HC, “ It thrives on hard work.

This model has a rugged steel frame and mower deck for years of trouble-free service. The high-torque diesel engine and heavy duty wheel motors can power across tough terrain all day, and thanks to great ergonomics and intuitive controls it is very user-friendly for operators. The clear and open design of the X950R operator’s platform allows the operator to get on and o’ the tractor easily. A tight uncut circle, the tail follows trail concept and the mower deck trimming on both sides ensure increased productivity by reducing the amount of maneuvers required to cover a mowing area.

The smoothly rolled deck edges ensure the grass will not be scalped or ripped out.” Robert is inviting interested businesses to come try it for themselves. Find out more at dublingrass.ie ✽

NR Rubber Products continuously improving quality

NR Rubber Products was founded in August 2016 by the Hand Family. They began working with recycled rubber back in 2003 when they founded Crumb Rubber Ireland. In 2009 they started making rubber products out of SBR rubber granules. Since then they have invested in automating the production plant resulting in improved quality of the products. They offer a range of products for both consumer and professionals across the amenity horticulture sector including playgrounds and sports surfaces. Available to garden retailers is a range of mulches and home garden tiles. More at  nrrubberproducts.com ✽

 National Landscape Forum 2018 – Ireland’s Waterscapes

Irelands Waterscapes– there are few locations on the island of Ireland where water does not feature in the landscape – as streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries and seascapes. It is a vital ingredient that often defines the quality, health and cultural/natural richness of our landscape. We drink it, swim in it, fish from it, are inspired by it, sail on it and live beside it…

How often do we discuss it in the context of an integrated landscape approach? Ireland’s 2018 National Landscape Forum organised by Landscape Alliance Ireland aims to answer this question.

The Forum will comprise an Evening launch and boat trip from Killaloe on Thursday 24th May (19.00 to 21.00) and a full Day Event (09.00 to 17.00) on Friday 25th May. Register for both days or just Friday. Field trips include a historical tour of Killaloe and views from 10th Century Cathedral Belltower; A ‘Go Green’ walk to Clarisford Park with psychologists highlighting how our brains respond to restorative landscapes and a trip to Mountshannon to discuss Holy Island (Inis Cealtra), an island on the tentative list of World Heritage Sites. ✽

Kings Seeds emphasise quality at Unichem Trade Show 

At the recent Unichem trade show, Tracy Palmer of Kings Seeds told HC that “Essex has been the centre of English seed production for many centuries. Its climate and rainfall are ideal for raising plants and taking them through the growing cycle to obtain the highest quality of seed. Kings have been following that process for over 100 years. On our farm, we have been selecting and maintaining seed stocks longer than most. We are now unique in that Kings is the last surviving wholesale horticultural seed merchant in the country.”

Also emphasising the quality of the seed Tracy went on to say, ”We supply seed to commercial growers of flowers and vegetables and garden retailers. Whatever type of customer Kings are supplying, they all have one thing in common; they all receive the same fine quality seed. There have been many changes over the 100+ years of our company’s existence and there will be many more in the next 100, but the quality of the highest standard is one thing that has never changed at Kings and never will in the future.” More at kingsseeds.com ✽

O’Connor Nurseries on the road to recovery and open for business

Despite some serious snow damage to glasshouse structures, Jim O’ Connor tells HC that “We are open for business and already have plans in place to meet any shortfall in planned
production capacity for 2018. This is in no small way, thanks to the wider community of ornamental producers who have been very good to us. Words cannot really say how much we appreciate their support and that of our customers across Ireland. We want to emphasise that O’ Connor Nurseries are ready and looking forward to the 2018 season. We have lots to offer at the nursery with an extensive range of patio and bedding plants as well as our signature geranium crop which look fabulous for the coming season.” More at oconnornurseries.ie ✽

Colm Warren Polyhouses offering free consultations and site visits

The design and build team at CWP are offering free consultations and site visits and have been busy advising and assisting edible and amenity growers across Ireland in the wake of Storm Emma. The family-run business has been successfully manufacturing and building polytunnels, greenhouses and canopied steel structures in Ireland for over 36 years, including single commercial units as well as multispan options. Colm Warren told HC “It has been a difficult time for growers affected by snow damage but it’s been heartening to see the positivity and solidarity among growers affected by Storm Emma. We are on hand to advise and assist both our existing and potential new customers.”
More at cwp.ie ✽

Hardware Show 2019 launched

Members of Hardware Association Ireland, together with various industry representatives, turned out at Citywest Hotel recently for the official launch of The Hardware Show 2019.

In preparation for 2019, an extensive review was undertaken of all three potential venues – the RDS, Citywest, and Punchestown. Various show features that had previously existed were considered, together with the vast potential to expand upon these. Annemarie Harte, CEO of the association, tells HC that exhaustive research has led to new ideas, subsequently allowing for the mapping out of a clinical, tailor-made floor plan for the upcoming show. She is also delighted with the increasing numbers of garden retail exhibitors and visitors and intends to build on this segment for the 2019 show. It was decided that the show will take place on 17 and 18 February 2019, in Citywest, a venue boasting over 3,100m² of floor space. While the venue may dictate a slightly more limited number of features, it will more than make up for this with a significant increase in comfort
areas. More at thehardwareshow.ie ✽

SNGR Horti Structures provides support to nurseries after ‘Storm Emma’

Following the devastating snow damage to businesses around the country SNRG Structures have already provided support and repair works to several nurseries. Steve Evans told HC “We have been busy working with existing and new customers to get production back up and running. Thanks to our experience over the years we’re able to work on many different polytunnels and can quickly organise and fit new parts. It’s not all negative out there though as some growers are pragmatic, and although it has been forced on them, they see it as an opportunity to improve production with the installation of newer houses.” More at snrgstructures.ie ✽

Positive outlook for 2018 from exhibitors at Unichem trade show

There was a large turnout of garden retailers at Unichem’s recent bi-annual event. Over 20 UK companies along with Irish suppliers were exhibiting or represented at the show. The whole Unichem team were on hand to advise on what’s hot for the 2019 season. Many of the UK exhibitors that HC spoke to are very positive about the future of the Irish garden retail market.

John Jones, sales manager for Unichem’s garden division, told HC “We are delighted with the turnout and the opportunity to introduce our customers to quality new products that we believe will assist them to increase turnover and profitability for the 2018 season.” Also Pictured above was one of the lucky raffle winners for product vouchers, Rosaleen Hayden of Irishtown Garden Centre, Mountmellick. More at unichem.ie ✽

Una Mcdermott RIP

It is with sadness that we report the death of Una McDermott of Carrick-on-Suir, Waterford and, Dublin, a lecturer at the Waterford Institute of Technology, Kildalton College and the National Botanic Gardens. Una was course leader for the BSc in Horticulture and liaised with Teagasc on the delivery of the course at the Botanic Gardens. She trained in the Botanic Gardens (1980- 82) and worked in a number of gardening posts culminating as OPW Head Gardener of the War Memorial Park at Islandbridge during its extensive restoration. She returned to study at UCD and graduated with a BAgSc (Land Hort) in 1916. Una completed an MA in Museum Studies at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. She took the Specialism in Education and her thesis was ‘Developing an educational programme for the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin: factors to consider’. She returned to work in Dúchas, the heritage service, and worked to develop a three-year public education strategy for the organisation. Subsequently, Una moved into teaching and taught with Teagasc in the Botanic Gardens and Kildalton College before moving to WIT in 2001. She is sadly missed by current and past students along with her colleagues in the horticulture education community. Our condolences to her family. ✽