News from the National Botanic Gardens | Irish Botany News | Research Projects | Kilmacurragh News
This is a round up of news stories from the National Botanic Gardens. We also run an Irish Botany News page, a Research Projects page and news from the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh.
In Praise of Weeds
The past few weeks have seen the vast majority of us confined to a much smaller area than usual, and even with a new routine of responsibilities to juggle between home, work and family, it's likely that life has contained more stillness and quiet than we would have...
A National Seed Bank in the National Botanic Gardens
Plants are fascinating. Even though they surround us and feed us, they often go unseen and unnoticed each day. They even hold the record for the largest and oldest organisms on earth - the largest being a clone of aspen trees and the oldest being a bristle cone pine...
Biodiversity Week Challenge!
Express your inner artist! Join us this week for our creative Biodiversity Challenge on Facebook » What's it About? Despite how much we have been using our technology over the last few weeks we can’t forget how dependent we are on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for...
May, the month of International Biodiversity Day
Spring into Summer The days are getting longer and there’s a bit of heat in the sun. Hasn’t time flown despite the lockdown! May is named after Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility and growth whose festival was held in May. The month signifies the changeover from...
Earth Day 2020 Drawing Challenge
For Earth Day 2020 (22 April 2020), we invited everyone, young and old, to take part in a drawing challenge on Facebook. The theme for the competition was ‘Take care of the Earth and the Earth will take care of you’. We asked you to show us your world, the different...
Appreciating Nature, all around You!
At this time, when we're all stuck at home for most of the day, what we'll really benefit from is getting out into nature to enjoy the fresh air and the wildlife that's all around us; whether that's in our our gardens or during our daily exercise with members of our...
Gardens in April – Biodiversity in Action
It’s the start of April in Ireland and spring is really springing. Lots of colour is appearing in the garden. Rosemary should be in full bloom now and attracting bumblebees. Also out are the beautiful blue forget-me-nots, loved by bees and other insects. You’ll also...
National Botanic Gardens Kids’ Crossword
Have a go at our National Botanic Gardens Easter crossword—for kids! It's lots of fun. You'll find a lot of clues related to plants and nature. Download and print: Botanic Gardens Children's Easter Crossword (pdf file)
Rhododendron ‘Thomas Acton’ registered with the RHS, March 2020
Very early in the 1860s, some rhododendron seedlings arrived at Kilmacurragh, sent to Thomas Acton by Dr David Moore, Curator of the National (then Royal) Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The seedlings were a result of a cross between two of Joseph Hooker's Sikkim...
National Botanic Gardens Crossword
Have a go at our National Botanic Gardens crossword. You'll find a lot of clues related to plants and nature. There is one puzzle and a choice of simple or cryptic clues. Download and print: Botanic Gardens Crossword v1 (pdf file) Find the solution here: Botanic...
Spring Nature Hunt: Activity Sheet for Kids
(Now also: as Gaeilge) We've created a Spring-Themed Nature Hunt to help you and your kids to engage with the outdoors. There is no need for you to go anywhere crowded for this, as you should be able to find most of these things in your own garden or local green...
Bird Bingo! Activity Sheet
(Now also as Gaeilge!) Our garden birds are busy building nests and preparing for their young at the moment. What birds can you spot in your own garden or out your window? If you don’t have a home printer don’t worry, you can still play. Just follow the directions in...