SKIMMIA is one of those shrubs that is hardly noticed in summer when so many others parade their finery, but really comes into its own in winter. It has many excellent decorative qualities and in ...

In 1999, when I finished my Master Gardener training, I wanted to purchase two plants to celebrate the completion. I wanted these two plants to be something I had never grown before and ones that ...

At this time of year, the female plants of skimmia carry clusters of bright red berries. Strangely, birds do not take the berries, which last on the bush from their time of formation in late summer ...

The flower buds, which appear in autumn and winter, are a prominent feature of the plant, as are the scented flowers which open in spring. It is perfect for growing in containers and provides good all ...

John Manley has spent the vast bulk of his 25 year-plus journalistic career with The Irish News. He has been the paper's Political Correspondent since 2012, having previously worked as a Business ...