Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Cheering Up My Monday: Shaggy Ink Cap

Last Thursday I cycled the off-road Waterford Greenway with my wife. We had a fantastic day and a very tasty lunch on the way. On our return cycle, we stopped to sit on a bench strategically placed to allow us to admire the stunning view of local hills, and while we sat, I noticed some mushrooms growing in the tall grass.

Coprinus comatus

Later, I put out an Instagram and Garden Tags request to help me identify this, and the results came back in double quick time.

"It's Coprinus comatus", says Ben.

Problem solved! Yet more information arrived via the internet wires and cables from the US, Italy and England. The common name is Shaggy Ink Cap, edible when young and fresh.

"In Italy we call them mazze di tamburo which means drum maces", says Chantal. "When the hat is open (as in the back ones), it is cooked on the plate and then seasoned with oil and parsley."

I was able to send some Irish language idioms back across the miles to my assistants, and I mentioned that the phrase for mushroom is "fás aon oiche", which means one-night growth. Therefore, the circle of information is complete. The internet is now full, and is accepting no further data.

Sit with yourself: Do nothing, breathe and watch yourself.
After a while, you will feel a positive change inside.

Happy gardening, wherever you are!.

About the author: Páraig is the author of Petals By Páraig. He loves mushrooms and photographs of mushrooms. He also loves connecting with others far and near, but not while driving.

Wordless Wednesday

Beauty Berry Profusion

I think profusion is a very lovely word.

I had this beautiful shrub until the snow of March 2018. Unfortunately, along with 5 other plants, it died. I have added it once again to my wish list.

About the author: Páraig is the author of Petals by Paraig. He loves berried shrubs and snow. He loves lots of other things too! Like cycling, great movies such as Shawshank Redemption, but not hoovering.

Wordless Wednesday

Cheering Up My Mondays

It has been a stunning summer in Ireland, the best since 1976 I'm told. We Irish are generally unused to dining al fresco, yet I have eaten breakfast at one of the two sitting spots most mornings since early June, and dinner too. Of course, the garden is not just for eating! I have sat contentedly overlooking the splendour of my labours, and spent time planning plans in my head for next year. However, it's important to seize the diem and to enjoy the wonderful weather just as it is right now. During the very very wet winter (which lasted right through to the middle of May!), I had scattered rose feed on the gravel, and repeated the dusty dose again in April. The rain washed all the nutrients down in its own time, and the results have been remarkable. More buds, bigger blooms, healthier plants. I am very pleased with my work!

The loveliest of the five is Rosa Just Joey. The strong fragrance of this rose reaches the kitchen, 15 metres away, whenever there is a gentle breeze. It is called "Just Joey", and the full details of the plant are available on my Shoot Gardening page

Rosa Just Joey

Now that I look at this photograph, it strikes me that I very likely will take more very soon, and get in even closer. It might be good to add the new ones to this post soon.

Ah that's better! Rosa Just Joey

Recent headlines from my garden:

• Thousands of tomatoes already eaten and frozen
• Dahlias are magic
• The 50 gladioli were beautiful but short-lived
• My current favourite plant is Begonia. (many varieties)
• Onions are stored
• The late-evening suntrap area has got great use this year
• I was able to bypass the hosepipe ban very effectively

Deep in a good book, surrounded by colour

Link to all google photos

About the author: Páraig is the author of Petals by Paraig. He has a previous history of garden writing back in 2017, and now he is back smelling the roses once again. Unconnected with this, he has nicknamed his bicycle "Gilhaney", but that's a story for another day.