Brigid P. Gallagher's Blog

Busy as a Bee

I come from a long line of busy people; both my parents worked extremely hard to provide for our family. The first forty years of my life embraced their hard work ethic, but after my father’s untimely death in 1995, I took the decision to leave my busy natural medicines practise behind and move to the home of my ancestors in Donegal, Ireland.

I have never regretted this decision.

Slowing Down

The slower pace of life suited me well, and I built up a small but successful healing and teaching business over a period of four years. One of my long held dreams was to travel to India, and it became a reality in early 2003, when I spent six weeks on a spiritual pilgrimage.

Sadly, five months later I developed a series of frightening symptoms in the aftermath of a raging bog fire which had circled my home. Fire is often viewed as a cleanser that paves the way for new growth…

Stopping the World

The first sign of imbalance was an ache in the upper part of my left arm. Several days later this developed into severe shortness of breath, accompanied by pressure on my chest. Further symptoms were soon added to the list:

Swollen lymph glands in my left armpitInability to lift my left arm above 90 degreesSwelling in the middle fingers of my left armMultiple joint pains like hot knivesDifficulty in keeping warmAching over my left shoulderAching eyes and whites that turned bluish greyInsomnia…

All investigations proved negative, bar lung function tests which showed my left lung was not inflating properly, and my lungs were working at 70% capacity.

I was unable to work for more than a year, and I had to face one of my deepest fears – lack of financial resources. It was incredibly tough having to rely on benefits but I had no choice.

Healing

Facing these fears brought a remarkable change on my outlook on LIFE.

Instead of spending my days inspiring others on their self healing journey, I had to focus on my own inner healing.

Thus I finally learned to SLOW DOWN.

One night I had a dream of rebuilding a house with new stronger foundations, and I felt reassured that I was making good progress.

I found that keeping a gratitude diary helped me enormously.

Small steps in my healing progress were included, as well as simple JOYS that filled my day:

MEDITATIVE WALKSENJOYING NATURE – one highlight was watching the birth of a neighbour’s calfCREATIVITY – joining a local singing class and a creative writing classPOTTERING IN MY GARDEN

My natural medicines toolbox helped me enormously as I tweaked my diet, benefited from treatments of both reflexology and massage, practised daily meditation and visualisation…

Life in the Slow Lane

In April 2006, I moved to a new home that had once belonged to a keen gardener. I had always enjoyed gardening and felt the spirit of the previous owner inspiring me to travel in a new direction.

A few weeks later, I inquired about retraining in organic horticulture a short distance way.

Fast forward to June 2006, and I was working and studying part time, earning a wage and forging a new career that eventually led to my teaching in schools and inspiring children to create organic wildlife gardens.

However, the most important INSIGHT I learned on my self healing journey was:

“First, learn to love thyself.”

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

Creating your own compost is a terrific way to save money and help the environment.

Saving Money and Helping the Environment

Composting provides a host of benefits for both you and our planet including:

Reduction of household waste which in turn saves you money on waste collectionReduction of fuel on transportation of household waste to landfill sitesReduction of greenhouse gases from rotting food in landfill sitesCompost improves soil health by increasing nutrients, which improves plant health and growthIt also encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi And helps soil retain moisture…The Science Behind Composting

Compost is created over time, when waste high in nitrogen (Green Waste) is combined with waste high in carbon (Brown Waste), in an environment that provides both oxygen and water:

Green Waste + Brown Waste + Oxygen (O2) + Water (H2O) + Time = Compost

N.B. It is best to add equal measures of brown and green waste, and to give your mix a gentle turning on a regular basis to encourage air flow.

Hot Composting

If you gather enough waste to create an instant compost heap of around one cubic metre in size, you will provide conditions for hot composting. In these conditions, your compost heap can reach temperatures of 60-70 degrees C. 

The waste materials will break down faster, and your compost could be ready in as little as six months. 

Cold Composting

If you are accumulating waste over time, compost will be created more slowly, and temperatures inside your compost heap will be lower.  Thus, your compost will be ready in a year to eighteen months.

Types of Compost Heap

There are several ways to contain a compost heap.

Wood

I use a wooden surround recycled from a garden shed:

You could also recycle old wooden pallets, doors…

N.B. Cover your compost heap with old carpet or heavy duty plastic, to maintain warmth, and prevent too much moisture/moisture evaporation. 

Ready Made Plastic

You can buy ready made heavy duty plastic compost bins, which provide:

A sealed environment for composting with a removable lid for adding wasteA door to extract compost from the bottom of the compost heap.

N.B. Both types of compost heap must sit on exposed soil. They will also do best in shade.

Tumblers

If you have a site that has no bare soil e.g. a balcony or fully paved back yard, you can still make compost using a tumbler. These are readily available online.

Although they can be a little expensive, they will provide compost in a shorter space of time. 

Gathering your Ingredients

I gather my Green Waste in a purpose made container with an air filter. It is emptied several times a week directly onto my compost heap.

Brown materials are also added on a regular basis.

Green Waste                                                                 Brown Waste

Fruit and Vegetable peelings                                          Leaves

Grass Clippings                                                                  Shredded paper

Coffee Grounds                                                                  Egg cartons

Tea Bags                                                                              Toilet roll /Kitchen roll cardboard…

Eggshells

Chopped up plant material e.g end of season annuals

Flowers that once graced your vases…

A Paper Shredder

As an author/blogger, I write a lot of notes!

I also save correspondence that includes my address and other confidential information.

They all go into my paper shredder:

My shredded paper is then added to my compost bin.

Enjoying The Results

At the end of last summer, I was rewarded with four large containers of heavenly plant food for my garden:

There was enough to feed all my roses, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs…

I smiled as lots of happy plants celebrated their autumn feast!

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

I am sharing this post from 2017 once again as it feels appropriate.

The world is in a great state of turmoil at the moment, and many people are fearful for their future and the future of our planet…

The opposite of fear is LOVE and my personal belief is that through LOVE we can change much that is out of balance in our world.

It may seem simplistic to think that MEDITATION can make a difference, but I know in my heart that it does…

Today, I felt compelled to share this simple MEDITATION, which I have practised every morning for a long number of years.

MEDITATION

Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down where you will not be disturbed by other people or petsSwitch off any mobile phones…Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful rose pink healing light filling your heart with LOVEImagine the LOVE from this rose pink healing light is filling your entire bodyImagine it expanding outwards to fill your homeImagine it moving onward to your city, town or village, sending LOVE and HEALING to EVERYONEImagine it travelling to EVERYONE in the country you live in, and then expanding around the whole of the EARTHStay with this feeling of sending LOVE and HEALING to EVERYONE for several minutesImagine in your heart what a difference this would make for MANKINDGradually bring your awareness back into your physical body and into the room where you are seated or lying. Slowly open your eyes, before stretching out your arms and legs, feeling your feet strongly anchored on the ground, and giving thanks for the HEALING that has taken placeREPEAT as often as possible.

If you keep a diary, note down your thoughts and feelings about your healing journey.

Do you have any thoughts on the power of meditation or prayer?

I would love to have your feedback.

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

“Walking is a man’s best medicine.”

                                             Hippocrates

The Lough Chonaill Railway Walk is just over a mile from my home, and covers 1.1 km of the route which The Lough Swilly Railway Company used to transport fish and other goods from the village of Burtonport to the city of Derry, from 1903 to 1940.

The shores of Lough Chonaill

Being a watery Piscean, I love walking alongside water, and this walk certainly lifted my spirits with an abundance of beautiful subjects to photograph.

 Shadows on the Water

Abstract Patterns

Rock Formations 

Gorse Flowering along the Path

The Far End of the Lough

The Journey Back

The Lough Chonaill Railway Walk is just one of many walking initiatives in Donegal. It is well worth paying it a visit.

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

In 2010, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the globe. The majority of them are women. As yet, there is no cure.

I had enjoyed a successful career as a natural medicines therapist and teacher, but fibromyalgia forced me to stop working for 2 years, reassess my life and embrace a new normal. I eventually left my old career behind, and retrained in organic horticulture, teaching part time in schools until recently.

My illness taught me so much, and I will share some of my most important insights. Here are a few suggestions for living with fibromyalgia or another life changing illness.

Reassessing My Values

Illness forced me to reassess my values. Health is now my number one priority, before career, relationships, finances and all else.

I’ve developed a habit of asking myself ” Will this be beneficial to my health and well being?

If not, it is not for me.

Practising Gratitude

I have kept a gratitude journal for many years, and it has helped me appreciate the good times and the not so good.

I am blessed with a warm home, running water, fresh air, food to eat, great family and friends, time in Nature, beautiful sunsets and daily miracles.

Try keeping a diary of the blessings in your life for one month, and notice any changes in your perception of life.

Learning to be proactive

A wealth of information is available online for specific health conditions. Joining a support group will invite new friendships from others who understand the challenges of your medical condition. You can then exchange tips on self help techniques and coping mechanisms.

Cultivate a Good Relationship with your Medical Team

Writing down a list of questions before visits to your doctor or consultant will ensure more positive outcomes.

I have copies of all my medical records, including blood tests, X-rays and other investigations. This keeps me informed of my progress, and allows me to remain proactive in any treatment plan.

Natural Medicines

Reflexology, Massage, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have all helped ease my symptoms. As a result, I no longer need pain medication.

Several natural medicines are now available through private health insurance, and some are integrated within the healthcare system. Please consult with your doctor or medical consultant about a possible treatment plan.

Embracing Creativity

I explored creative writing when I was in considerable physical pain, and it eventually led to my becoming an author and blogger!

Writing about the early death of my mother, and other major life events helped me enormously.

I have also dabbled in art, photography and decoupage.

Singing and gardening continue to be important ingredients in my healing regime. Ten minutes spent pottering in my garden transforms my day.

Avoiding Isolation

Chronic illness is life changing and it is so easy to slip into a major depression. Avoiding isolation is important for good mental health. Please share all your concerns with your doctor, family and friends.

Learning to ask for help is key to ongoing recovery.

Resting and Pacing

The most important lesson I have learned, is to listen to my body and pace myself accordingly. If I do too much, it can lead to a flare up in my condition.

Do you listen to your body when it tells you to rest? Perhaps you could treat yourself more gently.

Remembering to Exercise

Exercise is considered beneficial for many health conditions. Indeed, the body releases natural chemicals during exercise that are both analgesic and antidepressant.

However, it is important to find an exercise routine that suits you.

Some vigorous forms of exercise do not agree with my joints. However, I do find walking, gardening, aqua aerobics, chi gung and yoga enormously beneficial.

Diet and Nutrition

Eating small regular meals and avoiding processed foods aid my well being. I love to cook and make most of my meals from scratch, often creating a number of extra portions to freeze for days when I am feeling less energetic.

I have discovered some foods exacerbate my symptoms including sugar, yeast, caffeine and alcohol.

A combination of Omega 3, 6 and 9 plus vitamin D3, has helped me enormously. I also find magnesium supplements a godsend. Magnesium soothes the nervous system, relaxes muscles and aids good quality sleep.

Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

 

Spring is traditionally a time for spring cleaning – a time of letting go of clutter,  reorganising cupboards and drawers, painting, dusting and polishing…

We spring clean our homes, but what about our blogs?

How can you spring clean your blog and make it shine? I will share a few tips:

Imagine Yourself a First Time Visitor to Your Blog

Imagine you are a first time visitor to your blog:

How does it look?Is it inviting?Can visitors tell you are an author, a poet, an artist, a gardener?Is your blog easy to navigate?Letting Go of Clutter

If you were clearing clutter in your wardrobe, you would normally divide clothes into bundles of Keep, Update, or Donate to Charity… 

If you have been blogging for a few years, it might be time to revisit old posts and divide them into:

Posts that are popular and keepers,Posts that could be given a makeover, then re-posted,Posts that no longer resonate with your blog, and could be deleted.

WordPress Insights will show you which posts are getting most views, if you need a little push.

If you have a lot of posts to go through, take your time, and divide this task into small chunks. It will be well worth the effort, and your blog will then showcase the best of your writing talents.

Top Tip

Perhaps your blog post Titles could be better. Have you tried using CoSchedule as a tool? It is fun to use, and incredibly helpful for SEO.

When I planned this post, I tried out six different Titles on CoSchedule.

“How to Spring Clean your Blog and Make it Shine” was the winner.

Reorganising Cupboards and Drawers

Reorganising cupboards and drawers has become an art form. Marie Kondo and many others have written at length on this topic, and sold millions of books in the process.

If you have hundreds of posts under your belt, and you want to preserve all of them, it is possible to maximise ease of access.

Categories and Tags

Take time to look at your blog Categories. How many blog posts do you have in each one?

Imagine how a visitor would feel if they have lots of posts to wade through in one category.

Perhaps a little overwhelmed?

Could you make it easier for them?

Adding Drop Down Menus

One possible solution is to divide your Categories into smaller chunks and add drop down menus.

Go to  Add Menu Items  and Reorder Menu Items and Add Drop-Down Menus for instructions.

I did this recently, as some of my Categories were getting rather busy. With more than 50 posts on Gardening, it was time for a bit of reorganisation!

It took a good chunk of time, but if you click on Gardens you will now get a drop down menu that includes:

The Healing Power of Gardening,My Donegal Garden,Donegal Garden Trail,More Irish Gardens,Scottish Gardens,International Gardens.

I have also added a separate Category for Gardening Tips. I plan to add more posts on this topic.

Painting

Changing your blog Theme can make a HUGE difference. There are LOTS to choose from on WordPress.

When you find a theme(s) you like, simply Click on your Customizer then on Themes.

When you find your favourite click on “Update” to save.

I like to give my blog an update once or twice a year.

Fonts and Colors

If you are fearful of changing Themes, why not try a new Font or Colors and Backgrounds?

Have a little fun with this, and remember you can try these on your Customizer before deciding to press UPDATE.

Polishing and Dusting

If you have followed some of my suggestions, your blog will look quite different. It is now time to do a little polishing and dusting.

Here are some further suggestions you might like to consider:

Is it time to update your Header Image? A good quality image creates a positive first impression,Do you have an About page on your blog? It is the first page I look at when considering new blogs to follow.Do you have a Contact page?Are your Categories displayed prominently? If not, include them in your main menu or in a Widget near the top of your sidebar.Do you have too many  unnecessary Widgets? Could you let some of them go?Have you included a “Follow Blog” Widget? “Top Posts and Pages”, “Archives“…Do you include Tags in your posts? If so, a “Tag Cloud” Widget will aid visitors in locating posts,Are your Social Media links displayed on your blog/ posts? Are your posts shared on your social media sites?Step Back and Look Again

Step back from your blog, and look again.

Does it look more inviting, and easier to navigate?

Does it make your heart sing?

Congratulations.

Long may your blog sparkle and shine!

Your Feedback Matters

Have you spring cleaned your blog? If so, do you have any tips to share?

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

If you were inspired to clear out clutter after my post LETTING GO OF CLUTTER, you may find this post helpful for the next stage of your healing journey.

The Mouth of Chi

Your front door is the entrance for positive energy or CHI into your home.

Step outside and imagine you are seeing it for the first time.

What impression does it give ?Does it need a new coat of paint?Is your letter box opening freely?Does your outside lighting work?Are there any welcoming flowers or plants outside?

Step inside.

Can the door open freely?Can you walk through the entrance area with ease?

Anything that impedes the journey through your home, will block the free flow of CHI.

In turn, this may create blockages in key areas of your life:

Health and well beingCareerPersonal RelationshipsCreativityRespect from othersAbundance…Individual Rooms

Take a journey round your home.

Can the doors open and close freely?Can you walk around the room with ease?

You may now feel compelled to rearrange some furniture!

Positive Changes

Create a plan for any necessary changes and improvements, breaking it down into small achievable goals…

 You can continue the healing process through:

Opening windows to allow fresh air and new CHI to circulateWashing windows inside and out to enable you to see more clearlyFilling vases with fresh flowers to welcome positive energyDisplaying happy photographs and artwork to invite more JOYAdding soft towels, comfortable bedding, relaxing cushions… to increase feelings of ABUNDANCE

When you enhance the CHI or energy in your environment, you will begin to notice positive changes in your LIFE.

Healing Focus and Intention

However, the most important concept to remember is to choose a focus or intention for your New Beginnings.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

                                                                                                 Socrates

You could focus on:

Opening up new career opportunitiesImproving personal relationshipsCreating a better flow of wealth and abundanceFinding more inner peace…The Energy of a Temple

Many years ago, I owned and managed a healing centre and shop in Stirling, Scotland. One of the nicest complements I ever received came from two lovely Indian ladies who said:

“The energy in your shop is like a temple.”

I felt incredibly blessed.

Wishing you all many blessings and positive New Beginnings…

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

In 1996, I attended my first Spaceclearing workshop with Karen Kingston www.spaceclearing.com, after she published her book “Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui”.

I soon realised that my life long passions for clearing clutter and rearranging furniture were in fact part of the ancient art of Feng Shui!

Since attending Karen’s workshops, I have included her Spaceclearing rituals as part of my own self healing regime.

Salt Cleansing

My top tip for helping you to release clutter is to cleanse your home with salt, preferably natural sea salt.

Let me explain:

Salt helps lift the energy or CHI in a room.  If you put a small dish of salt in any room for a few days, you will almost certainly get the urge to clear out clutter!

Please discard the salt down your sink or toilet afterwards.  

In the aftermath of a salt cleanse, you will probably release:

Clothes you no longer wear,Clothes you are going to slim into,Old Christmas cards, Birthday cards, paper files, computer clutter….Unessesary memorabilia,Objects with sad memories,Gifts you do not like, but still display rather than offend the giver,Excess furniture that impedes movement in a room…Letting Go of Clutter

When you let go of clutter:

The energy or CHI in the room will feel lighter,You will feel lighter and more uplifted,You may feel compelled to release more belongings in other rooms,This will invite new CHI into the whole of your home,The CHI in your body will move more freely,Thus, your health and well being will improve,You will have more clarity,You will embrace new beginnings and positive change…

I usually do a salt cleanse every New Years Eve, and at regular intervals as necessary – perhaps six times per year.

If you are in the process of moving home, it is an ideal time to do a salt cleanse and a clutter clear out.

Please note: Professional Spaceclearing is a skill that takes many years of committed training. However, clearing clutter can be practised by everyone and is a very useful tool for self healing.

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

It seems timely to share this seasonal post from once again.

I first learned how to decorate a Christmas wreath at our local Women’s Shed. I will share the technique with you step by step:

Resources

You will need:

A basic straw wreathGreen plastic tapeRolls of florist’s wireMetal pinsAssorted foliage, including holly with berriesDecorations including poinsettia, mistletoe, robins, ribbon…Technique

Bind your straw wreath tightly with the green plastic tape, then bind it with the florist’s wire.

Top Tip

If you cannot find green plastic tape, cut up a green bin bag or carrier bag.

Next, add foliage in small bunches, using your florist’s wire to tie them in place. Just keep on weaving the wire around and around, a little at a time…

You are now ready to pin in some holly:

Eventually, you will reach this stage:

Add embellishments of your choice.

I went for a red and silver “poinsettia and mistletoe” theme:

The Finished Projects

I lined my finished wreath up in front of two others, to give you further inspiration. A cute robin adorns the middle wreath, while the rear model is embellished with gold ribbon.

I am normally a minimalist, but I added a final flourish of red ribbon this morning, before hanging my new creation on my front door.

 I cannot help but smile at my efforts, and I should think the birds will enjoy the holly berries, before Christmas is over…

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher

Coastal Climate

The following tips are based on my own gardening experiences in Donegal, Ireland which has a very mild but often wet climate, with minimal frost and little snow. 

Trees

If you have space, consider including a tree(s) in your planting scheme. Although my garden is quite small, I have included a Birch tree, a Rowan, 3 Apple trees, and a purple Elder. All of these trees lose their leaves in winter.

However, the birds love to sit on them and sing!

Simply adding a tree and perhaps placing a few bird feeders on it’s branches, will give you endless hours of pleasure during the colder winter months.

Rowan, Birch and Apple Trees

Shrubs

Shrubs provide good all year round interest in a garden. I have included the following shrubs as suggestions for winter interest because they are either evergreen or provide berries for the birds or striking stems or a beautiful scent…

BerberisCornus (Dogwood)CotoneasterDaphneEuonymusHebeHollyJapanese LaurelPhotiniaRosemarySkimmiaViburnumWitchhazelYew

Hebe, Photinia “Red Robin” and Holly – all evergreen shrubs

Grasses

I have a few different grasses in my garden, including this golden variety. It brightens up the area around my Birch tree year round, and provides a great backdrop for Primula, Hellebores, Daffodils, Muscari …

Taller grasses look lovely when frosted, making for a great sculptural effect.

Hellebores

Hellebores provide beautiful flowers in winter. The species below is Helleborus niger “Verboom Beauty.” It flowered from November to February last year.

Herbaceous Perennials

The following herbaceous perennials will provide good winter interest:

BergeniaHeucheraPulmonaria

Bergenia will provide large dark glossy leaves, and pink flowers.

Heuchera come in tones of dark purple (seen below), through to pinks and lime greens. They look well in groups of uneven numbers – 3, 5, 7…

Pulmonaria is a particular favourite of mine. It flowers from January, on through spring.

Heuchera and Pulmonaria

Winter Bedding

The following bedding plants will brighten up borders and pots, and look great teamed with bulbs:

HeathersWinter PansiesPrimula

Purple Primula and Pom Pom Primula

Bulbs

There are a number of bulbs that flower in winter and spring depending on your climate:

CyclamenSnowdropsScillaCrocusHyacinthsIris reticulataMuscariNarcissus

Bulbs look best when planted in a naturalistic manner. Simply throw a group of new bulbs onto the area you want to plant, then dig holes where they land.

Ceramic pots planted with bulbs will also add winter interest.

Pots look best when displayed in odd numbers.

Sculptures and other Garden Features

It is well worth including a few sculptural ingredients in your garden for year round interest.

I have a bog wood sculpture of a flying goose:

An urn, a bird bath and an angel:

Wall Art

Buddha and Ganesh carvings (bought in Bali) brighten up my fence:

You could also include:

Bee boxesBird nesting boxesMurals…Recommended Reading

The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers is a great book to have on hand for planting ideas.  It will help you:

“Choose the right plants for your garden and find all the inspiration and guidance you need with the new edition of this best-selling illustrated reference book organised by plant colour, size, and type.”

Santa might gift you a copy at Christmas!

Questions for Future Posts

If you have any gardening questions, I am happy to feature them in future posts.

Happy Gardening.

Brigid  P. Gallagher is a  retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

She lives in Donegal, Ireland –  an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/r5GCjaetgZk

Facebook: https://facebook.com/watchingthedaisies/

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/16119226.Brigid_P_Gallagher