by John Hosford

June marks one of the busiest and most rewarding periods in the gardening calendar. With the risk to tender plants now largely passed, it is the ideal time to move many flowers and vegetables outdoors and make the most of the growing season ahead. Careful planting, feeding and regular maintenance this month will help ensure strong growth, colourful displays and productive harvests throughout summer.

Vegetable garden

June is the time to plant out tender vegetables. Basil, parsley and lettuce can all now be moved outdoors, while courgettes, pumpkins, squashes, vegetable marrows, outdoor cucumbers and melons should be planted into rich soil that has been generously improved with well-rotted farmyard or stable manure. Before planting, work in a good organic fertiliser and water thoroughly once plants are in position.

Slug and snail damage can become a problem at this stage, so close observation is important. Weathered wood ashes placed around vulnerable plants may help discourage attack. These larger vegetable crops should generally be spaced one metre apart to allow for healthy development.

Applying straw as a mulch around developing plants offers several benefits. It suppresses weeds, reduces moisture loss and prevents soil splashing onto fruit as it matures.

Runner beans, French beans and climbing French beans that were started indoors can now be transplanted into their final growing positions. Outdoor tomatoes can also be planted out and perform best in a sunny, sheltered location. Tumbling tomato varieties are especially suitable for hanging baskets, window boxes and patio containers as they mature quickly and produce flavour-packed crops. Choosing blight-resistant varieties is recommended.

June is also an excellent month for direct sowing outdoors. Beetroot, carrots, Chinese cabbage, Florence fennel, lettuce, pak choi, peas, spinach and spring onions can all be sown now. Vegetable plants started indoors during April and May should also be planted out.

Early potatoes can begin to be harvested this month. Gardeners should remain alert for signs of blight and monitor weather updates from MET Éireann.

Plants for summer baskets and containers

Summer baskets and containers provide long-lasting colour and there is an extensive selection of flowering and foliage plants available to create displays that remain attractive throughout the season.

Trailing foliage plants such as Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, Helichrysum and ivies provide texture and contrast when combined with flowering plants. Begonias continue to be a dependable choice thanks to their weather resistance, extensive colour range and ability to flower into late autumn.

Members of the daisy family also perform exceptionally well in containers. Argyranthemum varieties, available in white, yellow and pink, work particularly well as central feature plants and combine effectively with Surfinias, Petunias, Sanvitalia and Osteospermum.

Lobelia remains a summer classic and is available in shades of blue, white, lavender and red in both trailing and bush forms. Impatiens, or busy lizzies, are another excellent option for shaded areas, bringing bright colour that continues late into autumn.

Pelargoniums, commonly known as geraniums, thrive in sunny positions. Ivy-leaf varieties create trailing and cascading displays and are available in pink, red, white and lavender shades. Zonal pelargoniums make strong centrepieces for patio containers and provide reliable long-lasting colour. To keep them performing well, deadhead regularly, remove mouldy leaves and avoid wetting foliage and blooms to reduce the risk of fungal problems.

Fuchsias are highly rewarding container plants and come in both bush and trailing forms with single or double flowers. With proper care they can continue flowering until November. Gardeners should remain watchful for vine weevil and treat if necessary. They are particularly suitable for shaded and north-facing locations.

Edible planting can also be incorporated into containers. Tumbling tomatoes, strawberries and herbs work well in hanging baskets, while larger patio containers can accommodate colourful vegetables including red cabbage, Kale Black Tuscany, dwarf curled kale and Savoy cabbage.

Sweet peas, climbing runner beans and climbing French beans can all be successfully grown in large containers when supported with a wigwam structure.

Successful baskets and containers depend on consistent care. Water regularly and avoid allowing compost to dry out. Feed weekly from June through October using a seaweed-based liquid feed. Replace damaged or rusted basket chains, use fresh compost enriched with slow-release fertiliser and consider installing a watering system if extended absences are planned.

Fruit garden

Fruit garden maintenance becomes important in June. Peaches, plums and nectarines should be pruned during this period to encourage healthy growth and productive cropping.

Rhubarb can continue to be harvested until the end of the month. Plum trees carrying heavy crops may require thinning early in June to reduce stress on branches. Supporting heavily laden branches will also help prevent breakage.

Under cover

Greenhouse and protected growing areas require close attention as temperatures rise. Damp down regularly in warm weather and maintain a consistent schedule of watering and feeding.

Remove tomato sideshoots promptly and, if they have become strong, cut them cleanly using disinfected secateurs. Glasshouses may need shading through paint-on products or blinds to reduce excessive heat.

Young plants and seedlings should be potted on as required and grape vines must be checked regularly to ensure adequate watering.

Requiring attention this month

Regular hoeing of weeds remains one of the most effective maintenance tasks and is best carried out early in the day when sunshine or drying conditions are expected.

Tall perennials should be staked before they become vulnerable to wind damage.

Roses benefit from a final summer feed at this time. Continue preventative care against blackspot, mildew and rust, and remove suckers promptly as they appear.

With attentive watering, feeding and seasonal maintenance, June offers the opportunity to establish healthy gardens that will continue delivering colour and harvests well into the months ahead.

Talented designer Alice Holliday works from a cosy third-floor atelier on Main Street in Skibbereen. Alice grew up in Castlehaven and her love of fashion and rare sense of style appeared early. Her surroundings, especially nature and the sea, became an inseparable part of her aesthetic.

At the age of nine, Alive already knew she wanted to become a designer. Childhood games with her sister – trying on vintage clothes and putting together improvised fashion shows – became the first steps towards her future profession. Over time, this grew into a clear creative path: making clothes that do not simply decorate a person, but help them express who they are.

Today, Alice works mainly with vintage and upcycled materials, reimagining them and giving them a new life. Her designs are defined by a love of experimentation and sustainable fashion – layering, texture, bold combinations of colour and print.

Look One

This ethereal, nature-inspired outfit captures a sense of joy.

At the centre is an airy, almost weightless dress made from sheer fabric and decorated with bright floral appliqués. The flowers are not just decoration – they create a sense of handcraft and individuality.

The silhouette is soft and flowing, with a fine belt accentuating the waist. At the same time, the layering – the dress worn over denim – adds a modern feeling and a gentle boldness.

It’s a timeless piece created around nature, flowers, light fabric and a feminine silhouette are elements that return to fashion again and again. The accessories also strengthen the look. A bright bag adds energy and focus, while the shoes and sheer socks support the softness and playfulness.

Stylist’s tip: To let dresses like this truly shine, play with contrast. Wear them not only with romantic shoes, but also with more grounded pieces – denim, chunky boots or minimalist accessories. This creates the balance between fairytale and real life that makes an outfit feel modern and stylish.

Look Two

This look feels as though it has stepped out of a fairytale.

The foundation is a layered silhouette. A flowing skirt in a warm terracotta shade creates soft movement and gives the outfit an earthy, natural base. Over it, a dark tunic with a painterly print recalls brushstrokes or floral motifs in a muted palette. This contrast – dark and warm, structured and airy – makes the look visually rich and interesting.

Accessories play a special role. A small bag on a long chain adds a vintage mood. The necklace and hair detail strengthen the sense that the look has been thoughtfully and artistically composed. The red footwear with a large flower is a bold, almost theatrical gesture that brings the whole composition to life.

Stylist’s tip: In a complex, layered outfit like this, it is important to keep a clear focus. Here, that focus is already created by the red shoes. When styling such a look, avoid adding too many more bright accents. Instead, support the colour of the shoes with lipstick or a small detail in the accessories, so the whole outfit feels complete and harmonious.

Look Three

This look is pure fairytale, with a touch of dramatic fashion and ethnic chic. 

The foundation is a black skirt with an ethnic print and a wide leather belt, which emphasises the waist and adds structure. A light mesh layer creates airiness, while the lower layer with ornamental print adds depth and visual interest. This contrast between transparency and dense pattern makes the outfit complex and multi-dimensional.

On the shoulders is a textured white fur cape, which immediately draws attention and adds theatre, luxury and a little fairytale innocence. The printed blouse softly echoes the hemline, creating a sense of unity. The loose sleeves look almost like wings, giving the outfit movement and a delicate, magical fragility.

Accessories are key here. The floral wreath in the hair strengthens the natural theme, while lace gloves add vintage refinement. The layered necklace makes the look more theatrical, and the round bag shaped like an old clock becomes the main narrative accent. The black shoes and sheer tights balance everything without drawing attention away from the main story.

The mood of the look is magical, slightly mysterious, but still warm and feminine.

Stylist’s tip: To adapt such an expressive look for everyday life, you can break it down into separate elements. For example, wear the printed skirt with more minimalist accessories, or replace the fur cape with a calmer jacket. This keeps the character of the outfit, while making it more wearable.

Photographer, stylist, make-up artist and text: Galyna Zaitseva

Clothing and headpieces:
Alice Halliday @alicehalliday alicehalliday.com

With thanks to Violette for providing the clock bag for the shoot.

by Niamh Cooper, Melissa Byrne & Gillian Hegarty

We know them as something we get in our local takeaway. But making your own spring rolls is actually so easy – and fun – a four-year-old could do it! It’s actually the perfect food to make at a party.

Spring rolls are one of those dishes that look amazing and are surprisingly simple to put together. They are incredibly nutritious, bursting with nutrients and so full of flavour. Everyone gets to make their own, with ingredients they love. Perfect for a party or playdate. Kids love them and it encourages everyone to try new foods.

Fresh Spring Rolls

You will need:

• 8 rice paper wrappers*

• 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks

• 1 small red or yellow pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 4 leaves of butter-head lettuce, torn

• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced lengthways

• 1 mango

• 1 avocado

• 100g vermicelli rice noodles, cooked and cooled

• Fresh herbs: mint, basil, coriander, chives 

• Edible flowers: chive flowers, marigold, cornflowers

• 1 chicken breast**, cut into 1cm pieces

• 2 tbsp soy / tamari* sauce

• 2 tbsp mirin*

* Most supermarkets have these in the oriental foods aisle.

** You can use tofu, prawns, beef, or any other meat you fancy, too. 

Place the tofu/meat in a bowl with the soy/tamari sauce and the mirin, and leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes. Cook slowly in a bit of oil in a frying pan or oven until cooked through, then leave to cool completely.

Slice all the vegetables you have chosen to use into thin batons, no longer than the width of the wrapper. Lay them out on a plate.

Fill a large bowl with water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper at a time for a few seconds until it softens and becomes flexible. Lift it out carefully and place it on a damp tea towel.

Lay a few pieces of lettuce horizontally across the centre of the wrapper, leaving about an inch free on each side. Add your chosen fillings on top: a little of everything, or whatever takes your fancy.

To roll: gently lift the bottom of the wrapper up and over the filling, pull it snug, then fold in the two sides and continue rolling until your spring roll is fully wrapped. The tighter you roll, the better it holds together.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup peanut butter

• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp soy or tamari sauce

• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 small clove garlic, finely grated

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together with one-third cup hot water until smooth. Add a little more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (Nuoc Cham)

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 small chilli, sliced (optional)

• ¼ cup water

Stir all ingredients together until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust, depending on your taste.

Follow us for more news about our cooking and gardening workshops in West Cork schools: c @kidsfoodrevolution. Newsletter: kidsfoodrevolution.substack.com.
wwwkidsfoodrevolution.com.

by Amanda Roe

Varicose veins are a common concern for many people, especially women, affecting both appearance and comfort.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, swollen veins that most often appear in the legs and feet. They happen when the tiny valves inside veins which normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart become weak or damaged. Instead of moving smoothly, blood pools in the veins causing them to bulge, stretch and sometimes look rope-like or raised under the skin.

Varicose veins can make us feel self-conscious when they are visibly bulging, twisted or discoloured, however they are not just a cosmetic issue. Physically, they are weak or faulty veins that are not circulating blood properly, and this can lead to discomfort and pain. Legs can ache, swell, throb, itch or burn. They can also feel heavy, tired or weak with fatigue limiting daily activities and discomfort or restlessness causing sleep disturbances.

If you have varicose veins, it is important to stay active and take movement breaks, as sitting or standing for long periods can make them worse. Regular exercise or activity will help to improve circulation and strengthen leg muscles. Wearing flat or low-heeled shoes instead of high heels will help calf muscles pump blood more effectively, and putting your legs up above your heart for 15-20 minutes can help to reduce swelling. Compression stockings are also helpful, as they support the legs whilst you are busy through the day.

For those seeking early intervention or complementary therapies, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer effective options for supporting vascular health. Acupuncture can reduce pressure within the vascular system, improving blood flow and circulation while offering cosmetic benefits for both spider veins and varicose veins. Chinese medicine also works to regulate fluid metabolism, helping decrease swelling, and activates the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways to ease aching, throbbing, or burning sensations. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, addressing underlying issues such as blood stagnation or Qi imbalance not only supports vein health but also strengthens the body and promotes mental relaxation.

By combining practical lifestyle strategies with the holistic approach of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, individuals with varicose veins can experience meaningful relief, improved circulation, and greater confidence. These therapies work holistically to support the body as a whole, nurturing both physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.

Amanda Roe is a clinical hypnotherapist, acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, life and health coach specialising in women’s holistic health. She uses a range of therapies including dietary guidance to optimise fertility and obstetric health whilst also supporting recovery from trauma, eating disorders and other chronic health conditions.

For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 6331898.

This month, branch committee member Andrea Reichstein travels up to Rathlin Island, off the northern coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, to experience its birdlife and so much more.

After visiting Cape Clear for the very enjoyable week-long ‘Seabirds to Songbirds’ course held by Dick Coombes for Birdwatch Ireland two years ago, I once again felt drawn to visit one of Ireland’s many stunning islands. This year I decided to travel across Ireland to Rathlin island. It is a fairly epic journey, especially if done by public transport, which gives an added sense of adventure and the feel of travelling somewhere very exotic.

I went for a week at the end of April and was extremely lucky with the weather; the sun was splitting the rocks every day and it was very difficult to eventually leave this paradise.

Similar to Cape Clear, Rathlin is a great place for bird and nature lovers: Cape Clear has the bird observatory and Rathlin has the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre – both are great for walking and exploring. But be warned, do not bring along someone who is a fan of quick walks; they won’t like it, as you will be stopping constantly – there is just so much to see and watch.

It is difficult to pick my highlights of the stay, but the following are definitely some. On my first morning, walking the ca 7km Rathlin Island Trail up to the seabird centre (there is also a bus, aptly named Puffin bus running between the ferry and the centre), I was perhaps 1km away from the centre when I spotted a massive bird. It came out of nowhere, flying low overhead, chased by crows. This was my very first sighting of a (juvenile) white-tailed eagle and it was something else! I was amazed to see such a big and powerful bird being chased by crows. I learned that juveniles do pass through, either from Scotland or the south of Ireland, but so far none of them have ever settled here. Hopefully this one has made its home here, as by the time I left, it had stayed around for five days, so maybe!

I decided to do the Kebble South Trail on the day I was due to leave the island. It’s a beautiful walk along the cliffs with great views onto some more cliffs where seabirds perch and you can look down on seals in the water below. I spotted two birds in the distance perched on a rock. At first glance, they looked a bit like gulls but then I realised that I was looking at Northern Ireland’s only breeding pair of great skuas! I had a few more encounters with them. From all directions, I could see them sitting on their elevated stone and they treated me with some flyovers, displaying their beautiful wing markings.

Rathlin is of course famous for the Golden Hare with its blonde fur and blue eyes, which is a result of a gene defect and only occurs on Rathlin island. There are only a handful of them born each year, out of 600-800 hares in total. So, if you love hares, you will love Rathlin. Throughout my visit, I kept a close eye out for the elusive golden hare. I saw plenty of hares, some noticeably brighter than others, but I was never quite sure whether I had actually found one. When I mentioned this to locals, they all gave the same response: if you see a golden hare, you’ll know it.

On my last evening I headed out onto the Ballyconaghan Trail, which numerous sources had told me is the best spot to spot one. That evening, with the sun hanging low in the sky, I turned a corner and saw them: two hares. One was a typical Irish hare, but the other was unmistakably a golden hare. The moment I saw it, I knew. I could hardly believe my luck. Its coat was a striking blend of pale blonde and white, and its vivid blue eyes made it look truly magnificent.

Then there were the seabirds. During the first two days of my stay, the cliffs around the seabird centre were teeming with life. Every available rock face seemed to be occupied by guillemots, while ledges were packed with razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and, of course, puffins. The sheer volume of birds was incredible, and the constant chorus of calls created an unforgettable atmosphere.

I had expected the colonies to come with a strong smell, but there was surprisingly little scent at all. Perhaps I had arrived early enough in the season to avoid it – I suspect things will be very different later in the summer.

As the week went on fewer and fewer birds were on the cliffs and it fell almost silent. Some visitors to the centre did not see a puffin so they were understandably disappointed.

Therefore, my top tip is this: don’t just visit Rathlin for the day. Stay for several nights, visit the seabird centre more than once, and take time to explore the rest of the island. There are several stunning walks and, even after five days on Rathlin, I didn’t feel that I had seen everything – or heard everything. Unfortunately, I was too early for the corncrake, or perhaps the corncrake was late; either way, we missed each other.

But the puffins! It is a joy simply to watch them. Even when they are not doing very much, they are somehow endlessly entertaining, whether waddling seemingly aimlessly about or trying to pull up vegetation, only to discover they are not quite strong enough and becoming visibly frustrated.

The seabird centre is also an excellent spot for watching whales, dolphins and other marine life. While I didn’t see any myself, several pods of dolphins had been spotted passing by in the week before my stay. I did, however, see seals, including both grey and harbour seals.

Rathlin Harbour is home to plenty of eider ducks, which were a real treat for me, especially because of their unusual and distinctive calls. They sound as though they have just heard a particularly juicy piece of gossip! It was to this sound that I fell asleep each night, and I have to say it has become one of my favourite bird calls.

I will definitely be back, not only to Rathlin, but also for a few days on Cape Clear.

BirdWatch Ireland
West Cork Branch News

Our next event is:

June 6 – Courtmacsherry Community Biodiversity Action Plan walk

June 24 – Swift walk in Clonakilty

Visit our website www.birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie for more information about these events. To receive news and reminders about our events join our mailing list by sending an email to mailinglist@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie.

f @BirdWatchIrelandWestCork

c @ birdwatch_ireland_west_cork

by Cadhla Ó Conchobhair

As the old saying goes ‘a wet and windy May fills the haggard with corn and hay’. I think we could all do with seeing a pleasant summer after a long spring!

We would usually have the calves out to grass by the start of May. The farm sits on a hill and, as those cold northeasterly/westerly winds postponed their turnout, we are counting ourselves lucky to have gotten them out just ahead of the June bank holiday. As I type this month’s article, I can see the calves out my kitchen window, basking in an unexpected two days of blistering sun in the field; they are delighted with themselves and I am happy with them too because they have been very well-behaved outdoors and not gone through any fences.

The hedgerows are looking beautiful, with the whitethorn blossoms, cow parsley and wild bluebells, to name just a few. Even the blossoms are a little later this year, as if they have been waiting for warmer weather too. There is a great buzz about the place and it isn’t just the pollinators that are busy – the silage contractors are like busy bees, going from farm to farm harvesting first cut silage. Our silage ground wasn’t grazed this spring and we spread less organic N because the ground was too wet when we would normally spread it, so we decided to cut it a little earlier than usual, and we hope to have a better quality and heavier crop for the second cut in July. 

Most of the cows had calved by the first week in April with the exception of Cow 728 who, by way of a miraculous conception, calved three weeks later. Paul, our Hereford bull, must have paid a little sneaky visit last season!

After calving season finished, we barely had time to catch our breath before breeding season kicked off, the first round being AI. We used a combination of sexed and conventional straws for dairy replacements on the best cows and a selection of easy calving high DBI beef bulls on the rest. Good old Paul the bull is now spending a few weeks with the cows and will happily oblige if any of the cows do not hold to AI.

The Innishannon Steam Rally takes place over the June Bank holiday weekend, which is always a family favourite event every year; it is like a step back in time with the steam engines, many of which serviced the agricultural sector back in the day. The steam engine revolutionised not just work on farms, but also transport. Upton, where the steam rally is held every year, was once a stop on the West Cork Railway line that connected communities from the city all the way to Bantry. The railway closed, despite fierce local opposition, which included massive petitions, protests and even saw a delegation travelling from West Cork to plead their case. However the then government refused to overturn CIE’s decision to close the West Cork line on April 1, 1961 – how apt for a foolish decision to be enacted on Fool’s Day. 

CIE proceeded to lift the tracks and, because the railway had originally cut directly through many agricultural properties, local farmers purchased back these tracts of land to unify their fields. Over the decades these sections were integrated into active farmlands, roadways and farmyards with other landowners building new houses and businesses.

Because the land was completely broken up and sold off by Iarnrod Eireann, it is no longer state-owned or semi-state-owned land. 

You might be wondering why I am reminiscing about the rail line in the farming section?

Cork County Council and their handling of the proposed Cork-Kinsale Greenway has caused a fierce backlash from the farming community, businesses and homeowners on Cork County Council’s preferred route, which cuts right through farmland, some of which was never even on an old rail route. By all accounts, the process of consultation and communication has not been handled well and farm families on the route are fearful of CPOs (Compulsory Purchase Orders) being imposed on their land. 

DJ Keohane, Chairperson of West Cork ICMSA spoke to West Cork People about these concerns.  Mr. Keohane informed us that he and an ICMSA delegation had met with the Council at County Hall on behalf of their members. He described it as a very “straight talking” meeting, during which they raised the concerns of members who would be directly impacted by this route, as well as the concerns of other farm families farming between Cork City and Bantry. They also expressed fears that, if CCC is allowed to enforce CPOs on the proposed Cork–Kinsale route, their communities could be next on the list.

The Council stated to the ICMSA that it was implementing government policy to deliver greenways, and that Compulsory Purchase Orders would only be used as a measure of last resort.

ICMSA emphasised to the Council that their members were not opposed to greenways, they are opposed to CPO use for greenways, especially when, without proper engagement, the landowner’s livelihood, privacy and the natural biodiversity of the farm may be impacted. “Greenways can only be achieved through voluntary access and proper, on-farm and face-to-face consultations and constructive engagement”. 

Mr. Keohane added that the affected ICMSA members had lost confidence in the engagement process, particularly due to the absence of an impact assessment on the farms and families affected, leaving them feeling they had no control over the future of their family farms.

There are always alternative route options to consider, such as utilising Council-owned land to allow a greenway to run parallel to existing roads, rather than cutting directly through farms and undermining the viability of farming businesses. Projects of this nature can remain in limbo for years, depending on the availability of government funding and shifting Council priorities — a level of uncertainty that no other business sector would be expected to endure.

Reflecting on the meeting, Mr. Keohane said he believes the Council and its consultants acknowledged the concerns raised and accepted that engagement and communication regarding the route should have been handled in a more respectful manner.

This is not just an issue within this county; similar concerns regarding greenways are being raised across the country, leading groups of citizens to bring their protests to Dáil Éireann, where their concerns have been heard by the Joint Committee on Transport, while local TD Michael Collins has also raised the matter directly with An Taoiseach in the Dáil.

As I write, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, has engaged consultants to carry out a review of the National Strategy on Greenways, with some elements of the Code of Best Practice National and Regional Greenways expected to be included in the review. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will oversee the review and Minister O’Brien has said “It is expected that the review of both the code and the strategy will conclude in 2026”.

The importance of personal engagement is often overlooked when decisions are driven by desktop policies and prescriptive procedures developed in an office setting.

No doubt farmers along the old railway line to West Cork will be closely watching how this project progresses. Hopefully, following the review of the greenway process, confidence in engagement procedures can be restored and workable solutions reached.

This year there has been a definite uptick of enquiries into Moneytree Finance from renters who have been given a ‘Notice to Quit’ by their landlord, because he or she intends to sell the house amid the uncertainty created by the recent changes to Irish rental law. Since March 1, 2026, there are now increased restrictions on landlords around rent increases and ending a tenancy, and crucially going forward all new tenancy agreements will become ‘Tenancies of Minimum Duration’ (TMD) lasting for six years, provided the renters are meeting certain standard obligations (for example paying the rent on time). And rather than navigate this new rental world, many ‘small landlords’ (defined as those having three or fewer tenancies) are instead selling up, creating opportunities for some first-time buyers but also great uncertainty for those who are receiving the notice to quit.

Indeed, being told you must leave your rental property can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially amid the serious housing crisis Ireland is currently experiencing. In certain circumstances, however, it can present renters with the chance to buy the house they have been living in themselves. In fact, provided certain criteria are met, there is even a government scheme – the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme – designed for this exact scenario. Below, I will explain this scheme in much more detail.  

The Tenant Home
Purchase Scheme 

In general, mortgages for renters who have been given notice to leave operate in the same way they do for other prospective borrowers. If they are first-time buyers, they can qualify for a loan of ‘up to four’ times their annual income, either single or joint (depending on whether they are applying alone or with a partner), and if they are second-time buyers the maximum loan is up to 3.5 times their annual income. And, as always, whether or not the bank will release the full potential loan will depend on the applicants’ financial profile, bringing factors such as the general cost of living, whether the borrower has any dependents/children and/or loans, and how much they have been saving on top of the rent over the last six months, into play. Like all buyers, renters hoping to purchase their landlord’s house will also need a deposit of at least 10 per cent ‘and’ be able to afford the ‘extra’ fees and charges such as Stamp Duty (one per cent of the purchase price) and legal costs (we always tell people to budget ‘about’ €3,000 for a good solicitor).

Imagine, however, that a renter (let’s call him James) has €30,000 in savings and as a first-time buyer has been mortgage approved for €200,000, giving him an overall budget of €230,000, but the landlord wants at least €280,000 for the house? Here is where the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme can help. An offshoot of the better-known First Home Scheme, the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme operates along similar lines, with the one crucial difference that it can be used to purchase a second-hand house. Indeed, this is the only scenario (a renter buying the landlord’s house) in which any of the government-backed schemes can be used to buy a home that has already been lived in: both the Help to Buy and the regular First Home Scheme are strictly for new-builds only. In the simplified scenario outlined above, James is €50,000 short if he wants to purchase the home he has been living in; provided he meets the criteria, however, and is open to the government holding an equity share in his home (at least for a time), the Tenant Purchase Scheme will give him that €50,000, allowing him to own a property which would otherwise have been out of his reach.

Of course, as already mentioned, certain conditions must be met to avail of the scheme. In terms of the landlord/rental element, the renter ‘must’ have been served with a valid notice of termination, and the tenancy ‘must’ be above board and registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Beyond this, though, the scheme operates in similar terms to the First Home Scheme: applicants must be first-time buyers, they must apply to one of the ‘pillar’ banks (Bank of Ireland, AIB, or PTSB) for the mortgage, and they must borrow their maximum amount available, meaning they can’t leave any borrowing power behind them. The maximum eligible purchase price in Cork County is currently €450,000 (in Cork City it is €500,000), and the maximum equity share receivable is 30 percent of the purchase price; the minimum is 2.5 percent or €10,000, whichever is higher. Crucially, those using the Tenants Home Purchase Scheme ‘cannot’ also use the ‘Help To Buy’ tax rebate otherwise available to first-time buyers, as they are not buying a new home but a second-hand one. In terms of cost, participants in the scheme pay nothing at all for the first five years (though they do of course pay their regular mortgage during this period), and then a simple interest charge of 1.75 percent from year six onwards. This then rises again incrementally from years 16 and then 30, up to a maximum of 2.85 percent ‘simple’ interest per year, which would still be one of, if not ‘the’, cheapest loans you could ever get.

In any case, many people will choose to buy back the equity share from the government long before year 30 of the loan, and this can be done in a lump sum and/or over a longer period of time. Buying back the equity is where the most major caveat of the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme lies, however, as it is the ‘share equivalent’ that applicants owe the scheme, not the euro amount they originally received. Let’s again use James as our example: if James takes the scheme’s €50,000 to buy his landlord’s house for €280,000 now, then the equity share of his new home held by the government will amount to 17.86 percent (let’s call this 18 percent to keep things simple!). Now imagine that 10 years passes and James has come into some money, perhaps via an inheritance or just by saving diligently over time, and he decides to buy back the scheme’s equity share – he will owe them 18 percent of his home’s value ‘at that point in time’, which well may no longer amount to the €50,000 he originally borrowed. If James’s home has risen in value to €350,000, for example, he will owe them 18 percent of €350,000, which is €63,000. On the other hand, though, if his home happens to fall in value (a less likely but not impossible scenario), he will owe the scheme ‘less’ than he originally borrowed.

As long as borrowers are willing to abide by the rules and criteria of the Tenant Home Purchase Scheme, and accept the fact that they may end up paying back a bit more than they originally received over time, then the scheme is a viable and useful option for renters who have been given notice and would like to buy the home themselves. Like all the government schemes, it is not perfect, but it does frequently get people into houses that they could otherwise not afford. If you think any of the above is relevant to you and have further questions, or you would like to discuss any mortgage query further, please don’t hesitate to contact Moneytree Finance today! 

by Naomi Fein

Many of my clients tell me they have been showing up consistently – posting regularly, trying different platforms, doing the things you are supposed to do. But it costs more than it gives back. The time it takes. Two hours disappear between deciding to post and actually posting. “I feel like I am shouting into a room where nobody is listening,” someone said to me recently. “And I am exhausted.”

What strikes me is not the exhaustion. That makes sense. It is the assumption beneath it – more platforms, more posts, more visibility is always the answer. We have inherited this belief. And I think it is time to question where it came from.

When I look at the roots of ‘more is better’, I keep arriving at the same place: the Industrial Revolution. The shift from handmade, agricultural societies to automated industrial ones brought a big promise: we could produce more for less time. And with that came a whole belief system. More output equals more value. More money brings more power. And power – finally – feels like the path to the thing we are all actually craving underneath: safety. If I can control enough – my income, my visibility, my reputation – I will finally feel secure. I can stop bracing.

Except control doesn’t deliver that. It can’t. Because life is not controllable, and the more we try to hold it, the more energy it takes. So the safety never arrives. ‘More’ is a horizon. You move toward it, and it keeps moving. We end up time-poor, money-poor, energy-poor – not because we actually are, but because our eyes are permanently fixed somewhere ahead.

This belief runs straight through how most of us think about marketing. If you are not on Instagram AND Facebook AND LinkedIn AND everything else, you are missing your audience. Post every day, or the algorithm will forget you. Even people who are consistent in their efforts carry an inner voice that the outer pressure has installed: this is not enough. You need to do more.

What if that voice belongs to a map that no longer fits the territory?

If your identity and business are rooted in CARE, not MORE – if you wish to mind our planet, our people, and have a viable business – then the old marketing rulebook may not just be exhausting – it may be the wrong map entirely.

So what does the right map look like?

I came to this through an unusual back door. I started in community development – working with migrants, youth, women – before moving into design and business consulting. For the past decade, I have been finding a visual way to map human ecosystems: businesses, teams, organisations. Seeing the whole picture in one view unlocks something unexpected. Time and again, my clients find clarity they couldn’t access through Excel sheets and text-heavy marketing strategies.

To make such a map, I start by asking: “Who are the people who help you achieve your goals?” “Who are your best clients?” Nine out of ten clients stare at me blankly. And I understand why. Most of us skip the question entirely. We go straight to doing – a new platform, a post, a campaign that takes weeks to build. We invest time, money, and hope, and watch it land quietly in the void. We were never clear on who we were talking to. We just kept moving.

Once we gain clarity on who our people are, a second question follows: “How many can we actually know well enough to tend?”

This is where something shifts. Your core – the people who already believe in what you do, who come back, who refer others, who will tell you honestly when something isn’t working – is smaller than you think. And that is not a limitation. It is a gift. A small, well-tended group of people who genuinely believe in you will do more for your business than a thousand followers who scroll past. The number will be different for every business. What matters is whether you know who they are and whether you have real, sustainable ways of staying connected.

Robin Dunbar, an anthropologist at Oxford, found that humans have a cognitive limit of roughly 150 stable relationships – now known as Dunbar’s Number. Beyond that, we lose the ability to really know people. The Romans understood something similar: their basic military unit was eight soldiers – the contubernium – who shared a tent, ate together, and fought together. Trust scaled through that small unit, not through mass co-ordination.

Around your core, a wider community – people connected to you but not yet as close. Beyond that: the public. These three circles are not a hierarchy of importance. They are a map of where your energy goes. If you look after your core well, they hold the golden key of how to reach your wider community. And your wider community, over time, reaches the public. That is not a shortcut. It is how communities have always worked.

The question to ask yourself is not: “How do I reach more people?” It is: “Do I know who my people are, and am I actually tending that relationship?”

In practice, this changes what marketing looks like entirely.

Instead of producing content for the algorithm, you design experiences – events, conversations, writing, small gatherings – that feed the ecosystem around your work. You are not trying to fill an ocean. You are tending a garden.

And you choose the channels and activities that give you energy rather than drain it. If you love writing, write. If you come alive in a room with people, create the room. The right marketing is not the one that works in theory. It is the one you can actually sustain.

You do not need to talk to everyone. You need to talk to the right people. You probably already know some of them. Go and talk with them – that is a good starting point.

What excites me most right now is more of this: mapping ecosystems with clients and watching unexpected doors open, gathering where solutions emerge from the group, experimenting together rather than each of us figuring it out alone. A place to belong, as much as a place to work.

If you want help finding your people and building a marketing approach that actually fits your business, I would love to talk. Contact me on 086 3743132 or pop me an email naomi@thinkvisual.ie. You can also find out more about me and my work at www.thinkvisual.ie.

I’m taking a break for July but will be back for the August issue with more visual models that may help you grow your business. 

by Liz Mahony

The first couple of lines from Rudyard Kipling’s poem, ‘If’, came to mind the other day: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs!..”

One of my neighbour’s hens had forced her way through the metal confines of her run. She was happily plucking away at the grass and earth in the garden area, totally oblivious to my consternation and Saffron’s interest!

Receiving no reply from my text to said neighbour, I realised the situation was solely in my hands. I approached the problem in totally the wrong way forgetting about my professional dog training skills. Thus I tried to hem her in assuming she would return back into the run through her escape route. But, she had other ideas! She wasn’t going to give up her new-found freedom that easily, proceeding to run hither and thither like the proverbial ‘headless chicken’. Please forgive the deliberate pun!

My actions panicked her further, so she kept trying to force her way back into the run by sticking her head into various narrow spaces in the metal fence, through which the latter part of her body had no hope of following! Then Saffron decided I needed her help and got rather excited. Having twice despatched her offers of assistance with a ‘flea in her ear’, I took a deep breath, slowing down to take stock of what, if anything, I had currently achieved! The first realisation was that my efforts so far had only exaggerated the circumstances. Gathering my wits, I went off to get a cup of hen food and opened the main gate to the run after grabbing a towel from the kitchen.

The towel was a last resort. I didn’t fancy handling her, as I was certain to get pecked or clawed in the ensuing debacle. If the worst came to the worst, I might have to throw the towel over her and then secure her with a rugby tackle! Fortunately, it didn’t come to that! Instead I began to review the situation in a more grounded manner.

Firstly, I chucked some hen food into the run to keep the other hens focused on food rather than also escaping through the open gate to join their wayward companion in her escapade. That worked except the lady on the outside decided she didn’t want to miss that food, so she once more vainly attempted to force her way back through the metal bars instead of through the open hole that I’d intentionally aligned with the food inside. I’d imagined she might be clever enough to remember the hole and go back through it again. What a vain hope!

After another deep breath, I backed away from her even further to encourage her to come nearer to the open gate and out of the paddock to which she kept seeking refuge from me. The danger with the paddock was that it had two equine inhabitants who would either have crushed her under their hooves or chased her around the field and panicked her even further. But, luckily, they were oblivious to the excitement.

Steadying my nerves, I slowly advanced on her from the opposite direction to the open gate and began shaking the container with the remaining food. At first, that

made her run the other side of the open gate between it and the fencing and more vain attempts to squeeze through more narrow, unrelenting gaps! Time for me to back away again.

Taking yet more deep breaths, I slowly approached her again. Each time she ran the wrong side of the gate until finally she strutted inside, as though nothing untoward had happened, rejoining her companions while I slammed the gate shut. Heaving a sigh of relief I rewarded them all with the remains of the feed and blocked up the hole in the fence.

And what has the above got to do with dog training, I hear you ask? In a word: Everything! Just bear with me for a little longer. At the beginning of this episode, I, too, was running around like that proverbial ‘headless chicken’, and getting nowhere. I couldn’t even think of a solution, let alone do anything constructive. At the beginning, I didn’t even contemplate that my training skills might possibly apply across a spectrum of animals.

However once I took myself in hand, employed deep breaths, my brain started working again, and a plan unfolded effortlessly. The panicked hen no longer sensed my own trepidation so she calmed down too which then allowed a greater chance for my plan to work.

The moral of my story is that if we, ourselves, lack self control when dealing with our own pets, how can we expect our dogs to show restraint since they copy everything we do?

by John Hosford

As we move into May, we hope the days are finally warming up, but gardeners must remain vigilant. Beware of cold nights early in the month. While those living near the coast may have seen the last of the frosts, venturing just five or eight miles inland can bring you into contact with late seasonal freezes. Always keep a watchful eye on the forecast and keep frost protection fleece, cloches, or cold frames ready to protect your tender plants.

Watering

Preparation for drier days is essential this month. Install taps in strategic locations, particularly in or adjacent to your greenhouse, cloches, and frames, as well as near hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers. For those with numerous containers or recent plantings, an automated watering system with a time clock is a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan to be away for prolonged periods.

To manage resources effectively, conserve and store water in water butts. Mulching beds and borders with bark mulch or well-composted farmyard or stable manure will further conserve moisture and suppress weeds. If you cannot source manure locally, consider ‘Gee-up’, made in Blarney, Co. Cork. When sourcing any manure, ensure it is free from weed seeds or roots.

Vegetables

May is a busy month for both indoor and outdoor sowing. If you have not yet started courgettes, pumpkins, squashes, vegetable marrows, sweet corn, runner beans, or French beans, these may be sown indoors early this month. Sowing seeds individually in 9-12cm biodegradable pots helps cut down on waste and minimises transplanting shock. These can be planted out at the end of the month or in early June once they have been thoroughly hardened-off.

Continue successional sowing of beetroot, cabbage, carrots, salad onions, lettuce, radishes, swedes, and turnips outdoors, sowing thinly in well-prepared soil. Celery can be planted out towards the end of the month, while cauliflower and broccoli should be sown now for a spring 2027 harvest.

Brussels sprouts can be moved into their final cropping quarters now, spaced 90cm apart with 90cm between rows. As they occupy space for a long period, you can optimise the ground by intercropping with quick-maturing crops like lettuce, radishes, or kohl rabi. Protect sprouts against cabbage root fly by placing cabbage collars around the neck of the plants immediately after planting. In autumn, ensure they are supported with robust stakes to prevent wind rock, and use Enviromesh to deter caterpillars and pigeons.

Fruit

To ensure a clean harvest, tuck straw under strawberries to protect the fruits from rotting and to prevent soil splashing onto them. Newly planted fruit trees and bushes require consistent watering during dry spells. Additionally, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, and loganberries will benefit greatly from an application of well-rotted farmyard manure, garden compost, or spent mushroom compost.

Under Cover

Now is the time to plant up hanging baskets and containers, keeping them indoors and frost-free until the end of the month. Gradually acclimatise them to the outdoors as they establish. Bedding plants, geraniums, and fuchsias should also be hardened off in preparation for summer displays.

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines are ready for larger pots or grow bags. Opt for the deepest grow bags available, as shallow versions dry out too quickly. Ensure plants are not crowded, as proper spacing reduces the risk of disease, mould, and pests. Cordon tomatoes require regular tying and side-shooting; snap off small shoots with your thumb and forefinger, or use a sharp, disinfected knife for larger ones to prevent the spread of viral diseases.

Glasshouse management is crucial as temperatures rise. Apply shading using a wash or fit roller blinds to the exterior. Alternatively, fine mesh netting can be used on sunny days. Morning watering and ‘damping down’ paths will increase humidity and discourage red spider mites. Weekly feeding with an organic seaweed-based fertiliser is recommended for all indoor and container plants. For a unique touch, plant ‘Tumbling Tom’ tomatoes or cascading herbs in hanging baskets.

Keep a sharp lookout for pests such as whitefly, greenfly, vine weevil, and lily beetles. Lily beetles are easily identified by their bright red colour and should be removed by hand to prevent damage to leaves and flowers. Biological controls for various pests can be sourced from Mr. Middleton in Dublin or Fruit Hill Farm in Bantry.

Lawns

Mow established lawns regularly and apply feed if you have not already done so. Any remaining tasks for sowing new lawns should be completed early this month to allow for establishment before the peak heat of summer.

Hardy Annuals

Sow hardy annuals in informal drifts for a natural look. In one-sided borders, position taller varieties at the back, tapering down to the front; for island beds, place the tallest plants in the centre. Avoid making the soil too rich, as this can encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Excellent varieties for May sowing include Eschscholzia (Californian poppy), Limnanthes (Scrambled Eggs), Nigella, Calendula, and Nasturtiums. Echium ‘Blue Bedder’ is particularly attractive to bees, while others like Orlaya, Ammi, and Poppy “Ladybird” provide wonderful texture and colour.

Chelsea Flower Show

A true highlight of the gardening calendar, the Chelsea Flower Show takes place this year from May 19-23 in the grounds of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea. For those unable to attend in person, the BBC provides extensive coverage, offering a wonderful insight into the world-class show gardens and floral displays.

Materials: 

•  3 toilet rolls

•  4 different colour paints…one of which is green

•  Scissors

•  Black paper or card

•  Paint brush

•  Cotton wool

•  Saucer or plate

Snip approx half an inch up around the base of the first toilet roll. Then splay out where you have cut.

Repeat this process with the second toilet roll, making longer snips about an inch up.

Repeat with third toilet roll, an inch-and-a-half-up.

Squeeze out the first colour paint (for your outer petals) onto a saucer.

Use the toilet roll with the largest cuts first, dipping it into your paint so that the bottom of the splayed out (petals) are completely covered. Then – thinking about where you want your flowers – press down on to your black paper to make a petal print.

Repeat this step two more times on different parts of the paper.

Next, with your second toilet roll (the middle-sized one) choose a different colour paint, dipping it in and imprinting it into the middle of the flowers.

 Repeat this step with the third colour paint.

With your cotton wool, dip into the same colour paint that you used for the outer petals and dab into the centre of your flowers.

Use your green paint to paint the stems and leaves.

There you have it, a beautiful bunch of flowers! Make as many of these as you like, experimenting with different colours.

A natural beauty, exuding calmness, confidence, and a quiet dignity, Fiona Carson grew up on the family farm about four kilometres west of Schull, where she lives today after converting the ruins of an old building where she played as a child into her home. Fiona speaks proudly of her roots. Her maiden name, O’Mahony, has a long and rich history in this part of West Cork. The O’Mahony clan once ruled a significant part of West Cork in the early seventeenth century. Fourteen of their castles were built along the coastline, and many of them still remain today. The closest to Fiona’s home is Leamcon Castle, while one of the oldest is Dunlough Castle, also known as ‘Three Castle Head’.

Fiona works remotely as an accountant for a group of companies based in Killarney. Working this way allows her to stay at home and enjoy life surrounded by nature.

She tries to spend as much of her free time outdoors as possible. She loves long walks along the country roads with her collie, enjoys gardening, and in summer swims from the local pier about a mile from the house. Another of her passions is yoga.

Interestingly, there was once a very different side to her life – together with her husband, she competed in ballroom dancing. At that time, her wardrobe was full of long, flowing dresses embellished with sequins and crystal jewellery. These days, she rarely thinks about fashion, as most of her time is spent at home or around the village. But when an occasion does arise, she still enjoys wearing something beautiful and elegant, although comfort always remains her priority.

For Fiona fashion comes down to personal taste. If a person carries themselves with confidence – head held high and shoulders back – they can look wonderful in any outfit. She also believes that women today are placed under too much pressure, even when it comes to something as personal as hair colour. She has chosen to embrace natural change and calmly watches her hair gradually transform from brunette to a beautiful silver shade.

When I invited Fiona to take part in my photoshoot, she was surprised. But she decided to take the opportunity – to step outside her comfort zone and try something completely new.

Look 1

A beautiful example of modern understated elegance, where comfort and style are perfectly balanced.

The main focus is a soft beige poncho with fringe. Its relaxed silhouette creates beautiful movement and brings a sense of lightness to the outfit. The chocolate roll-neck underneath adds depth and makes the look feel more polished and composed.

Slim turned-up jeans balance the volume of the top, while leopard-print ballet flats bring character and a contemporary edge – exactly the kind of detail that makes an outfit feel alive and interesting.

The accessories are kept simple and considered: statement earrings and wide bracelets support the colour palette and add individuality.

This is the look of a modern woman who chooses comfort while remaining elegant.

Stylist’s tip: If you wear volume on top, always balance it with a slimmer shape below or show the ankle – it visually lengthens the silhouette and keeps the outfit feeling light.

Look 2

Depth of colour and understated femininity with character.

A monochrome look in a rich turquoise-blue shade creates a refined, elegant silhouette. The pleated dress adds softness and movement, while the leather jacket structures the outfit and brings in a sense of modern confidence.

The jewellery becomes the main accent here – a bold necklace and matching earrings deepen the colour story and make the look more expressive, almost artistic.

Simple shoes complete the composition without drawing attention away from it.

This is the look of a woman who combines strength and refinement while staying true to herself and her personal style.

Stylist’s tip: Don’t be afraid to build an outfit around one colour – play with different textures, such as leather, knitwear, and silk, to make it feel layered and stylish.

Look 3

Confident eclecticism.

The paisley-print dress sets the tone: feminine, dynamic, and instantly eye-catching. The soft silhouette and midi length make it versatile, while the belt defines the waist, adding structure and balance.

A contrasting leather jacket brings modernity and a subtle edge to the look – it is exactly this element that grounds the romantic feel of the dress and makes the outfit feel more current.

The accessories work as accents: a small textured bag and jewellery in turquoise tones echo the print, creating harmony in the details. Gold-toned shoes add light and a sense of completion.

This is the look of a woman who is not afraid to combine prints, textures, and character – and does so with ease and natural confidence.

Stylist’s tip: With a strong print, add one grounding piece – such as a leather jacket. It makes the outfit feel modern and stops it from looking too dressy or overloaded.

Stylist and photographer: Galyna Zaitseva.