Seed and plants to Ireland

I AM a 74-year-old gardener living in Northern Ireland. I usually get plants from firms in England such as Thompson & Morgan, J Parkers and other companies.

Since last January, gardeners here cannot get any plants or seeds sent. I voted for Brexit but did not expect for this to happen. I enjoyed my gardening until this year. I hope other gardeners can put pressure on the government to sort this out. Eileen Beckett, Ballyclare

I LIVE here in Ireland and have been buying your great magazine for years. I am really sad that we here in Ireland cannot get free seeds with the magazine anymore. Any chance the Ireland can be included again? Pam Pratt, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

I WOULD like to know why my favourite magazine is no longer giving away free seeds. So disappointed! June Craig, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Editor’s reply: the aftermath of Brexit for keen gardeners in both North and Southern Ireland has been deeply unfortunate. We have had to stop the free seeds because of restrictive administration costs and I am told some producers are unable to send plants for similar reasons. To be frank, I have no idea when this may be resolved as I would imagine that there are many other areas of business and leisure in Ireland that have also been hit as a result of the UK leaving Europe. As soon as commonsense prevails, then seeds on the cover will return — and no one will be happier than the team at AG. Garry Coward-Williams