Towns throughout Ireland are busy planting summer flowers in hanging baskets, tiered flower stands, and window boxes to create Ireland's beautiful summer blossom display.
Every time I return to Ireland in summer time, I am struck by the beautiful flowers highlighting old stone buildings, street lamps, shopfronts, and even traffic islands.
Nature's color palate never fails to brighten dreary old buildings, even on the rainiest of days.
Ireland's rainy climate is a big contributing factor to sustaining these flowers throughout the summer season.
Without Mother Nature's free watering system successful blooming would never be guaranteed.
Many of my friends who have visited Ireland return to the U.S. remarking on how prolific these flower baskets are.
Credit for supporting this practice of flower planting can be given to the Tidy Towns Competition, an annual, national competition which encourages towns and communities to improve their local environment.
A little splash of color goes a long way to make a town a better place to live, work and visit. Flower baskets especially delight visitors from far off lands, myself included. I had fun last year around Dublin taking the shots of flower baskets displayed above.
Image Credit
When I was searching for photos for my post on County Cork, I found this lovely shot of flower baskets in Cobh, Co. Cork on Flickr. A big thanks to the photographer for making it available for sharing.
In today's climate of financial constraint and budget cutbacks in Ireland, I hope Irish towns don't choose to limit their springtime planting. The colors of nature not only brighten the day, but give the spirit sustenance.
Wishing you all a season of happy springtime planting and successful summer blooming.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Kay G.
Okay, now...you are really making me want to go to Ireland!!!
These hanging flower baskets are beautiful! Do you make a touch of Ireland at your home and have the hanging flower baskets too?
Irish American Mom
Dear Kay - I usually hang some flower baskets on my front porch, but it has taken me a few seasons to realize planting impatiens offers me the best hope for success. They like the shade, and the abundance of cold tea I have to offer. This week I plan to get my baskets ready. Fingers crossed for great blooms this year!
Cheryl Barker
I love flower baskets! Hearing that they are used in abundance in Ireland makes me want to go even more! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Ireland's rain ensures flower baskets thrive without needing costly daily watering. The magical color palate of Irish towns in summer always amazes me.
Wendy
Always a joy to find someone who brings much beauty and information to a simple site and so well organized. Thank you! On to my Facebook you go. (I love your links and Image Credit)
Have you done Nasturtium?...a old and edible flower, leaves too!
Irish American Mom
Thanks for visiting and for your kind words.
Victoria Andersson
Thank you for your beautiful website. Your information helped me because I was wondering if I could start a flower basket business here in southern Sweden based on the Irish model. I am an American living in Sweden, my grandmother was Irish so I have a love for the land. When I was in Dublin I wondered: how are they watering all those pots hanging in precarious places? Now I know - the rain. Alas, for my little dream, but thankful for the reality check before I spent too much time or money pursuing it. I'll just do the best I can with my own little garden. God bless you.
Irish American Mom
Victoria - So glad you found my website. Flower baskets in Ireland are really spectacular, but it is Mother Nature's free sprinkling system that makes them so beautiful.
Wishing you happy planting in your Swedish garden, once spring comes again.
All the best,
Mairéad
Trisha
Thank you for sharing this cool web site.