Collection of rare plants rejuvenated at Teagasc centre

A collection of rare plants has being saved from extinction by Teagasc's Kinsealy research centre in Co Dublin. Some of the plants should soon be available to nurseries all over the State.

Teagasc researchers took more than 200 species of rare plants from old gardens such as Birr Castle and rejuvenated them at the Kinsealy centre. The collection includes shrub, alpine, tree and herbaceous species. Many were unique to the old gardens but will be available to enthusiastic gardeners before long.

The plants have been returned to the original gardens, and Teag asc still welcomes contacts from people who believe they may have rare plants in their gardens.

"This project started about four years ago," said Mr Jerry Campion, Teagasc plant specialist. "The idea was that we would visit some of the oldest Irish gardens and take some of the plants back here, where we have facilities for tissue cultivation and bulking. Eventually, we will reintroduce them to the industry."

Ten or more of the original plants have perished from old age or storm damage, but plants propagated from them have thrived. The collection includes geraniums, roses, dianthus and campanulas.

In the geranium collection, researchers describe as "outstanding" the recently introduced hybrid Mavis Simpson and a new dwarfer form of G.endressi Wargrave Pink.

These plants will be available for viewing by commercial growers at an open day in the Kinsealy centre on October 12th.