‘When I got that first garden, it was like a drug.’
In our monthly Green Women column, ELLIE O’BYRNE catches up with Mags Riordan, of Bumblebee Flower Farm, about her pollinator-friendly flower business
Mags Riordan of Bumblebee Flower Farm.
Ellie O’Byrne
WHILE many people have been craving the company of others during nearly a year of successive lockdowns and restrictions, Drimoleague flower farmer Mags Riordan says she has all the company she needs: her bees.
“I’m in my own little world and I have great conversations with my bees and butterflies,” Mags says.
“They have a lot of character, you know. The different bees have different buzzing noises, and they’re quite gregarious. We view them as a threat, but they’re just investigating. A bumblebee will let you know when it feels threatened because it will lift its legs, and then you just back off. They’re very docile. I just adore them.”
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Inspiration for how to make your own Christmas wreath at home
Olive Ryan shares some ideas for making your own Christmas wreaths at home
A wreath from The Flowersmiths studio based in Cloghroe.
Olive Ryan
AS we look on at the last of the leaves floating to the ground and the deciduous trees stand bare for the dormant season, we begin to turn our attentions to Christmas time (we are into December, it is officially allowed from now on!) and indoor decorations for the festive season. Using foliage and dried flowers and other bits and pieces from the garden make the garlands, wreaths and flower arrangements more meaningful and personal.