February and March 2015 Events at
the National Botanic Gardens of
Ireland, Glasnevin
February
From Thursday 12th February
Exhibition: Plant Palaces
Featuring watercolours and sketches by Roisin Murphy R.I.A.I of the glasshouses of
the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, with particular attention to the work to the
work of the master iron founder Richard Turner (1798-1881). Turner was highly
sought after for his works with wrought and cast iron and glass. He is responsible for
the now iconic Curvilinear Range of glasshouses in Glasnevin, as well as the
glasshouses in the Winter Gardens in Regent's Park, London and the Palm Houses in
Belfast and Kew Gardens.
A series of walks will also take place telling the story of the rich architectural legacy
that is in the Botanic Gardens and will highlight the extraordinary story of the Irish
man Richard Turner who was part of the flourish of botanical architecture in Europe
at that time. Check at the Visitor Centre for details.
Daily in the Gallery Space, Education and Visitor Centre
Wednesday 11th February
Afternoon Lecture: The Importance of Dots on Maps- How do we know where
our wild plants are?
Maria Long of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland will look at how voluntary
organisations such as the BSBI toil away in the background to gather, provide and
update this valuable information. Come along to learn more about how it all works,
and to hear about their big plans for a new Plant Atlas in 2020.
Time: 3.00pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Thursday 12th February
Lecture: Snowdrops in an Irish Garden
IGPS Chairman Paddy Tobin will give a talk on his experience of growing this everpopular harbinger of spring in our gardens.
Time: 8.00pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Irish Garden Plant Society
Saturday 14th February
Valentine’s Day Guided Walk: Budding Romance
Come along for a bracing romantic stroll in the Gardens as we observe the first signs
of spring. Snowdrops herald the arrival of the season while some of the fragrant
winter flowers linger on. Inside the glasshouses exotic blooms evoke warmer climes.
An alternative Valentine’s Day activity to delight the senses!
Time: 2.30pm, meet at the Education and Visitor Centre
Saturday 14th February
Demonstration: Growing and Potting Orchids
Brendan Sayers, Glasshouse Foreman at the NBG and well-known orchid specialist
will give a demonstration on growing and re-potting orchids.
Booking essential: info@irishorchidsociety.org
Time: 10.30am, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Irish Orchid Society
Thursday 19th February
Lecture: "Goodbye and Hello!"
John Fox, wildlife photographer, takes a look at the winter migrant birds that are
leaving us shortly, and the summer migrants that will be arriving to replace them.
Time: Doors open at 7.30pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Tolka Branch of BirdWatch Ireland
Saturday 21st February
Children’s Workshops: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals
Art workshops suitable for 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 year olds
For further details contact the Visitor Centre. Booking Essential.
Opening Saturday 28th February
Bonsai at the Botanic Gardens
An extensive exhibition of Bonsai from Andrew J. Murray’s collection will be on
display in the Teak House throughout March. Watch the Bonsai burst back into life,
displaying the splendid spring foliage of maples, cherries, and many other interesting
plants.
Daily in the Teak House
March
Monday 2nd March
National Tree Week Annual Lecture: "My favourite tree books"
Join Kevin Hutchison, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, for a review of books
about trees from the earliest ones to the most recently published.
Time: 3.00pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Tree Council of Ireland
Thursday 5th March
The Annual Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture: The Future Uses of Wood in
Building
Dr Annette Harte of NUIG will present this year’s lecture.
Time: 3.00pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Society of Irish Foresters in celebration of National Tree Week
Saturday 7th March
Gardening Workshop: Getting a Start in the Vegetable Garden
Our expert gardener will demonstrate how to prepare the ground and supply advice
and inspiration for planting this spring.
Time: 11.00am, meet at the Education and Visitor Centre
Cost: €20, booking essential. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museum’s Trust.
Tuesday 17th March
Guided Tour: Plants for St. Patrick's Day
We have gained a wealth of food, drink, and medicine from our native plants and
have also looked to them for protection, healing, and even as a classroom! Come
along to this Patrick's Day tour and find out all about our amazing Irish plants.
Time: 2.30pm, meet at Education and Visitor Centre
Thursday 19th March
Lecture: In the Shadow of Mighty Kangchenjunga - A botanical expedition to
the Bhutan and Sikkim Himalaya
The Head Gardener of the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, Séamus O'Brien,
led an expedition of Irish horticulturists and tree enthusiasts to the mountains of
Bhutan and Sikkim in 2014, following the routes of early botanical explorers like
William Griffith, Joseph Hooker, Frank Ludlow and George Sherriff, from tropical
valleys to icy glaciers.
Time: 8.00pm, Education and Visitor Centre
Organised with the Irish Garden Plant Society
Saturday 21st March
Children’s Workshops: Budding Artists & Hardy Annuals
Art workshops suitable for 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 year olds.
For further contact the Visitor Centre. Booking Essential
Saturday 21st March
Gardening Workshop: Grow your own Organic Vegetable
Our garden expert will have lots of practical tips on growing your own organic
vegetables. You will get practical advice on how to be an environmentally friendly
gardener.
Time: 11.00am, meet at the Education and Visitor Centre
Cost: €20, booking essential. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museum’s Trust.