Ireland S Wild Plants

In ancient Ireland there were 365 different parts to the body, and a different plant to cure each part. So the wild plants of Ireland are bound up in our culture and folklore from the earliest times. To arry a four-leaved shamrock brings luck in gambling, while putting nine ivy leaves under her pillow means a girl will dream of her future husband. Here plants are described in seasonal order, a perspective dating back to our ancestors. Different aspects of plant folklore are examined following a brief history of traditional herbal medicine in Ireland. Included are their roles in magical protection, in charms and spells (especially for love!), as emblems in children's games, and in Irish place names.

Expert up to date research and stunning photography on the history, distribution, identification and culinary value of the wild food plants of Ireland. Includes a wealth of information on their culinary value, including indicative recipes, dishes and preparations.

Ireland's Generous Nature is the first ever comprehensive account of the historical and present-day uses of wild plant species in Ireland. It records a wealth of traditional knowledge about Irish plant use, knowledge that has been disappearing fast. More than 1500 wild plants are detailed in a systematic list, which gives both their Irish and English names. Many historical references have been included from a wide range of Irish literature. This lively and scholarly book shows how plants have been used in virtually every aspect of human life in Ireland: food, clothes, medicine, construction, drinks, veterinary medicine, human health and beauty, and even death.

In ancient Ireland there were 365 different body parts, and a different plant to cure each part. So Ireland's wild plants have been part of our culture and folklore from the earliest times, featuring in the Brehon Laws, early Irish poetry and herbal medicine. To carry a four-leaved shamrock brings luck in gambling, putting nine ivy-leaves under her pillow means a girl will dream of her future husband. Here the plants are described in seasonal order, the perspective of our ancestors. Different aspects of plant folklore are examined: their roles in magical protection, in charms and spells (especially for love!), as emblems in children's games, in Irish place names, and folklore cures.

'The Wild Flowers of Ireland' is an extensive guide to the country's plant life.

A guide to the orchids of Ireland, for beginner and expert alike. With many photos and illustrations.

Wendy Walsh, following in the traditions of botanical artists from previous ages, has put her exceptional skills to marvellous effect in this beautiful collection of watercolour drawings. She has painted here a selection of the native and cultivated flora of Ireland, where she lives, chosen not only for their botanical interest or attractiveness but also because they happen to have an interesting history: Ireland has produced a surprising number of devoted and intrepid plant-hunters who played a significant part in the introduction into Europe of plants from remote places. Ruth Isabel Ross recounts the history of plant collecting and horticulture by the Irish since earliest times, and Dr Charles Nelson has written extensive notes on the individual plants. The main attraction of this book, however, remains the delicate and subtle watercolour drawings of Wendy Walsh, who works only from nature, painting the actual plants which are her subjects.

Where did the humble daisy orginate? Is it true dandelions and nettles were here before us? What should you do if you come face to face with a giant hogweed? What are the plants that make our forty shades of green? Where do they grow? This title aims to answer these and many more questions.