When Michael Harrington retired from his career as a firefighter and paramedic with Dublin City Council, his lifelong interest in cacti and succulents provided the perfect outlet for his energies, writes Michael Kelly.
"I was always interested in gardening as a hobby, and I always grew fruit and vegetables at home in Saggart. About 25 years ago my son gave me a present of an aloe - I think it was aristata - and, not wanting to disappoint him, I decided to read up about it, so it wouldn't die off. I read every book I could find on the topic, and that's how I came to succulents."
His interest piqued, Harrington went on to grow one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in Ireland. "I am fascinated by the diversity of shape and form. They are a phenomenally hardy species from exotic places, but they will thrive here if treated properly. They are a new plant, relatively speaking; a cactus has never been found as a fossil, for example, so they have only been around since the last ice age."
Since he retired Harrington has put his nursery on a more commercial footing and has started growing orchids and alpines. It is currently only open by appointment, but he plans to open the garden to the public.
Last weekend the Irish Cactus and Succulent Society, which Harrington helped to found, held its national show at the National Botanic Gardens, in Glasnevin, with enthusiastic growers competing in 120 classes. This weekend at Bloom, the gardening festival in Phoenix Park, Dublin, the bizarre and beautiful plants on view at his nursery stand are sure to attract curious visitors. "We will have about 500 plants at Bloom and would expect to sell a couple of hundred. It's more about offering a showcase for cacti and succulents, trying to get people interested."
Any advice for first-time cactus owners? "They like well-drained compost and plenty of light. The perception that they don't need water is common but false. They are hardy but need to be well watered from March to October to thrive. Then leave them completely dry for winter."
Irish Cactus and Succulent Society, School Road, Saggart, 01-4587125; www.bloominthepark.com.