Challenges of seaside gardening

brothrium coccineum] growing quite happily behind a sand dune on the East coast in a position it has no right to be. Evidently no one told the plant that.

Your starting point for getting good advice is to call to your local garden centre or nursery. Staff here will have expert local knowlege on gardening conditions in the immediate surroundings, coastal or otherwise. Another great source of information is looking at what is growing well in neighbours gardens.

Many herbacous plants, especially those that die back to the ground every year where they are safe from the winter storms, all tend to be successful in coastal areas. Grassy foliaged plants also cope well including Agapanthus, Libertias. Crocosmia, Iris along with the more traditional grasses like pampas and Phormiums.

Many silver leaved plants are good in seaside gardens and actually look the part there as well. Lavenders, Santolinas, Teucrium and Caryopteris. All roses will take maritime exposure although their flowering periods may fluctuate from the norm if they are summer storm battered.

For screening purposes in warm areas Hoheria, Dodonaea, Olearia, Pittosporum and Grisellina make good evergreen shelter. In colder areas Elaeagnus and Euonymus japonicus will do the job.

For colourful shrubbery Hydrangea, Fuchsia, Hebe, Choisya, Cistus and Lavatera will give colour during the summer months and Viburnums, tinus, farreri and bodnantense will liven up winter. THERE are many reasons to shop at your local health food store. Here are some of my favourites.

You’ll find that staff are generally passionate about what they do. They want to help you, and you can feel this genuine interest when you talk with them. It’s not unusual to see a staff member and a customer deep in conversation–this is not normally a chit-chat conversation – it’s often a sincere discussion about what is happening in this person’s life. People feel immense relief after talking because they feel heard for the first time. I have noticed a change in people myself when this happens. They often look relieved and happier.

Health Stores are exciting places to visit. It’s the place to go to look after your health and wellbeing, both physically and emotionally. It’s full of interesting food, snacks, high quality supplements, natural body care, and household products. Many stores stock a wide range of allergy care foods and have staff with knowledge on how to prepare them. There are always new and exciting products in the health industry, health stores lead the way in keeping up to date with these trends.

Most people who work in health stores are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. They are trained and are very familiar with the products they sell. They can help you find solutions to your problems, taking the time to go through the options with you. They can explain the difference between products, and point out hidden allergens that you may need to avoid. Most stores are independently owned and employ local people who will offer you a friendly smile when you enter their store.

Your local Health Store is far more than bottles on a shelf. It’s a place where your needs are listened to with empathy and understanding. Many stores have specialised people who can support what you are grappling with. They have advanced knowledge that can help you achieve optimal health.

Keep an eye out for talks and workshops that many stores run to help keep you informed. Members of The Irish Association of Health Stores follow their code of ethics for safe selling of products so you know you can trust them.