Cottage Garden Herbs, Tullow, Co Carlow, both sells herbs and runs courses to teach people how to use them. Between now and September there are a number of herb-related courses on offer as well as courses on basket-making, willow craft, paint finishes and organic gardening.

On Saturday, May 26th, chef Danette O'Connell will spend the day behind the chopping board showing students how to make the most of herbs in cooking. On Saturday, June 30th, Wandering Through the Weeds is the title of a day-long course with Judith Hoad who will demonstrate how to use what some might dismiss as garden weeds to make simple medicinal ointments and tinctures (cost £70). For more information contact (0503) 56312. Courses normally run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.