It seems that someone who reads my blog (The Strive for a Greener Garden Centre) felt we were worthy of a nomination for this years Blog Awards in the Best Eco/Green category. So sat here with a cuppa I have a inner glow but in reality I know I use the blog less than I […]
Sometimes you need somebody else to point out the obvious to you. When we put up our road signs 10 years ago we used our logo not taking into consideration that green against green does aid camouflage. Well two weeks ago our work experience lad arrived and one of the first comments was that although […]
If you have not already realised it, Father’s Day in Ireland is coming up on Sunday June 17th. To help get you into thinking mode we identified some potential gift ideas for your dad this year. For the sensory dad how about this lovely little wooden pot holder that you can give on its own […]
For any of you Dragons Den fans here in Ireland I am sure you will remember the fantastic pitch from Noel Joyce of Breezy Gardening I was particularly delighted to see him do well as we had spoken in August 2011 when Noel’s product was in prototype mode. I liked the product for general gardening […]
We would like to invite you to our 10 year anniversary this Sunday (20th May 2012) We arrived in a wet cold May in 2002 (no difference there then) and as you know have been altering and improving the garden centre slowly but surely. Click here for a snapshot of some of our alterations including […]
Saturday 12th May is Sustainable Gardening Day at The Secret Garden. Come along between 1 – 5pm and you will find a selection of demonstrators and information on everything you need to know to make your garden more healthy and efficient: * Composting. We’ll be joined by Donal O’Leary from Waste Down and Master Composters […]
I was recently interviewed by the very lovely and knowledgeable Sian Phillips for tweakyourbiz.com (previously known as Bloggertone) This is what we got to talk about. I had the pleasure of visiting The Secret Garden Centre in Newmarket, Kanturk County Cork a couple of years ago and have kept in touch with Brian Paterson ever […]
Still beaming here, well on Thursday 19th April 2012 at The Burlington Hotel in Dublin we were awarded The Green Retailer Award for 2012 at The Green Awards of Ireland. We were particularly delighted as this was the third year of being shortlisted in the same category, and to win in our 10th year of […]
It thats time of the year when polystyrene is manufactured into the of shape social media brand logos and possibly air guitars although I expect there may be new designs at this years Bord Gais Energy Social Media Awards. Having made it to the finals last year for the category of Facebook Page for a […]
Over time on the blog we have mentioned ideas that will assist you in creating an eco garden. There is however an easier way and it involves buying a book entitled ‘How to Create An Eco Garden: The practical guide to greener, planet friendly gardening’ by John Walker. Filled with detailed illustrations and simple instructions […]
Sarah is ahead of herself with her plant choice as ever. Her recent order of more unusual perennials includes Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ which turns out to be the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year (as chosen by the Perennial Plant Association, who else?) This plant is perfect for shade and its real beauty is in […]
Double delight this week as we have been shortlisted for the National Entrepreneurial Business Awards as well as The Green Awards 2012. We are delighted particularly as this will be our 10th year and is a reflection of the hard work of the whole team who have made The Secret Garden what it is today. […]
For the third year in a row we have been shortlisted as finalists in The Green Awards. This year we only entered one category and we have our fingers crossed that on the 19th April we might be awarded the title of overall winner for The Green Retailer award. Even if we don’t win outright […]
Like many people when one thinks of recycling pallets, a pallet composter is one of the the first things that come to mind. In the garden centre we have six in total so we can rotate them to speed up the process. They take the usual suspects of chopped leaves, discarded plants and leaves, old […]
When you think of Spring flowering bulbs most of us will talk of daffodils, snowdrops or crocus. Not there is anything wrong with them as they bring signs that winter is passing and that spring has arrived. The cheery swathes of yellow flowering daffodils have brought joy to many including Wordsworth who in his poem […]
Coming soon to the Secret Garden Centre is the talked about Apple ‘RedLove’ series. • Uniquely coloured – Rosy-red flesh with a beautiful pattern running through it • Deliciously tasty – Crisp and juicy with a hint of berries • Even better for you – Higher in antioxidants than other apples • Disease resistant – […]
(14th January 2011) I have to agree with Fionnuala Fallon in todays Irish Times in that there is an “annual January ritual to lift the hearts of rain-soaked, wind-blown and winter-weary Irish gardeners everywhere, it’s the time-honoured practice of sitting down with pen and paper, a largish glass (or two) of wine and a neat […]
(3rd January 2012)The Christmas holidays are definitely over and we have enjoyed the time off as well as the spuds at our Christmas dinner. Now feeling all refreshed and ready to get going again we will have our seed potatoes available from early February. Sarah has selected a great range of seed potato this year […]
(1st January 2012) As of 2012 we will be supplying Irish Organic vegetable seeds from the lovely ‘Brown Envelope Seeds’. All the seeds are grown from their farm in West Cork. They have been selecting over the years varieties and individual plants that work here. They are open-pollinated, or open source seeds, which means that […]
Late Night Shopping at The Secret Garden Centre Where you can peruse in peace, enjoy relaxing retail therapy and have a calming coffee at the same time. An opportunity to see our unique and affordable giftware and local crafts. Range includes Christmas confectionery from Pandora Bell, and both home and gardening gifts. Late night shopping […]
We have just arrived on Google+ so pop over and give us a hello……….
Hopefully by now you will have heard of Teresa Treacy in the news. If you haven’t you should as this 65 year old women is currently inside of Mountjoy Prison. Her crime…..standing up for her rights to protect her land from the corporate bullying of ESB. The ESB (Electricity Supply Board) are seeking to construct […]
(30th Sept 2011) How can you resist a crab apple tree at this time of year. Perfect garden decorations, or for the culinary gardener crab apple jelly among other things or just as a food source for the wildlife in your garden. And come the spring the most beautiful blossom……
(27th September 2011) First we would like to say……. for the person, people or company who nominated us in the Irish Web Awards 2011 in the most beautiful website category which is a real reflection of the work that Charlotte of Charlotte’s Web Design created for us earlier this year. We have also been nominated […]
Autumn Events Coming Up….. Poultry Day on Sunday 11th September from 2 – 5pm. Poultry for sale, advice on all aspects of keeping poultry. Organic & GM Free Feeds for Sale. Sunday, 18th September FREE veg garden demonstration, which will cover such topics as planting winter veg, onion sets, garlic, green manures etc. the demonstration […]
(6th September 2011) To celebrate the start of National Organic Week, Dromcollogher college are hosting a rather fantastic Organic Picnic on Sunday 11th September 2011 between 12-4pm. It looks like a great day out for the family, with organic gardening workshops,willow weaving, pet farm and local organic food among other family friendly activities…….. For further […]
We are delighted to be hosting our good friend’s art exhibition at The Secret Garden Centre as part of Cork Craft Month.
One of my favourite perennials for summer colour – hardy & reliable, the ordinary echinacea is probably the flower of choice above all others in our garden for the local butterflies. Give them room to spread and watch out for slugs and snails in wet springs.
(9th July 2011)Three new great,green products are now in stock and include………. The Waspinator “Wasps are very “visual” insects. They depend on a keen sense of sight to catch moving prey. Predatory Insects, like many wasps and all yellowjackets, have large, prominent compound eyes. Other insects that hunt live prey also have very large compound […]
So the Mallow Home and Garden Festival returns, although improved I don’t think I would describe it as the ultimate home and outdoor living event. When we first visited Ireland in 2001 the event was fantastic with crafts, community events, plants food and so much more. We even made contacts with several suppliers from the […]
