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John Burns and Lynne Kelleher
Exotic blooms found in Spain, Italy and southern American states
should be a common or garden sight in Ireland, according to a leading
botanist.
While most Irish gardeners make do with daffodils and tulips —
orchids for the more adventurous — they should really be trying
out such apparently alien species as palm trees, banana plants and
tree ferns.
The southwest of Ireland, which is warmed by the Gulf Stream, should
even be able to sprout plants usually seen only in Florida and California
— the likes of hickory, figs, lemons and avocados.
Most Irish gardeners are not adventurous enough, deterred by botanic
textbooks which assert that certain species will not thrive in Ireland.
[Excepts] © The Sunday Times November 19, 2006
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