This week we are in the garden of Colm Grant from Umrycam on the outskirts of Buncrana. Colm has been involved in the Swilly Gardening Club since it began and regularly shares his vast knowledge of all things green to the group. Colm is also a very familiar face around the schools of Inishowen, enthralling youngsters with his collection of interesting objects from nature that create a world of wonder.
How long have you been working on the garden?
24 years. There was nothing here when we came apart from two lawns and a very wide driveway.
What is your favourite plant?
It has to be the snowdrop.
What is your favourite feature in the garden?
I enjoy every feature in the garden but if I had to choose one thing it would be the greenhouse
What is your favourite season and why?
Spring, because winter is over! Summer and autumn stretch ahead of us. This is the one short time of year that we have the illusion of being in control of the garden
What work gives you the most pleasure in the garden?
I really enjoy propagating and taking cuttings. This is why the garden is so full!
Any irritations in the garden. How do you cope?
We have a problem with ground elder. My wife Patricia deals with the problem though as she painstakingly removes it.
What is your best gardening tool?
I have a manual cultivator. This sounds fancy but it is just a three pronged fork on a long handle. I find it invaluable.
Top Tip for spring?
If you can, try shredding your garden waste. The resulting mulch is perfect for putting on the beds to keep the weeds down and feeds the soil.
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Any plans for the future?
I am developing a pond, which will attract the frogs. These are my best defence against the slugs in the vegetable patch!
Horticultural.
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