Gardening Tips

Incredible Value Hedging & Trees in Galway

Looking to enhance your garden or create a stunning hedge in Galway and surrounding areas? At McGaughs, we have a fantastic selection of bare root and root ball hedging and trees, offering unbeatable value and quality for both homeowners and landscapers.

Why Bare Root and Root Ball Trees Are a Smart Choice

Bare root trees are lifted while dormant with their roots free of soil, making them more affordable, easier to handle, and quick to establish once planted. Root ball trees come with a ball of soil around the roots, making them ready to plant immediately with minimal stress. Both options give you healthy, robust plants at a fraction of the price of mature trees.

Popular Hedging and Tree Varieties in Stock

At McGaughs, we have a wide range of species perfect for Galway gardens, hedges, and landscaping projects:

• Copper Beech – deep purple foliage, a striking focal point.

• Green Beech – versatile and classic.

• Green Privet – perfect for dense privacy hedges.

• Hornbeam – hardy and elegant.

• White Thorn – beautiful flowers and wildlife-friendly.

• Prunus Rotundafolia – compact and refined.

You can buy them individually or in bags of 50 to 100, ideal for larger projects or commercial landscaping.

Pre-order for Better Prices

Planning ahead pays off! We offer special prices for pre-orders, so now is the perfect time to secure your plants for the upcoming planting season. Speak with our horticulturalists who can advise on planting, care, and the best varieties for your garden or hedge.

Local Delivery Across Galway

We provide local delivery throughout Galway City and surrounding areas, making it easy to get your hedging or trees straight to your property. Just give us a call to arrange delivery and discuss your requirements.

🌿 Call McGaughs in Galway today to speak with our horticultural experts and start your garden transformation!

Bulbs, Lawns, Poinsettias & Winter Prep

As the colder days creep in, Ger McGaughs November garden show brought a burst of colour, practical tips, and plenty of encouragement for gardeners of every level. If there’s one thing Ger loves, it’s seeing people get out into their gardens whenever the weather allows—and this month, he’s seeing plenty of you doing just that.

Spring-Flowering Bulbs: The Best Value in the Garden

Ger kicked things off with what everyone seems to be talking about—spring-flowering bulbs. More people than ever are picking them up, and for good reason. Bulbs are one of the most economical ways to guarantee flowers year after year, and they’re a fantastic project for children and parents to do together.

Whether it’s daffodils, tulips, crocus, or hyacinths, planting bulbs now brings guaranteed spring joy.

And for listeners asking: yes, you can order bulbs over the phone! While McGaughs stock isn’t fully online, you’re always welcome to call and we’ll post orders nationwide.

Understanding the Garden: Sometimes Things Fail

Ger reminded everyone of an often-forgotten truth: not everything in the garden succeeds, and sometimes it’s simply out of your hands. Weather, timing, soil—gardening is full of surprises. But that’s part of the journey and the joy.

Mind Your Lawn

A big November must-do:
Put an autumn lawn feed on now.

This will keep your grass strong and healthy through winter, especially if we get a very wet spell. And yes—it is now too late to plant a new lawn, as Ger confirmed to one listener.

Apple Trees & Fruit Care

A caller asked whether to pick up fallen apples—Ger’s answer was crystal clear: Absolutely yes.
Once ripe, they’ll fall by themselves anyway, but leaving them on the ground can attract pests and disease.

This is also the time to:

• Cut back apple trees

• Give them a winter wash (mix the product with water and spray only the bark to clean and protect the tree)

• Add well-rotted farmyard manure around the base to prepare for spring growth

Poinsettias: Beautiful but Finicky

It wouldn’t be November without talking poinsettias.

Ger described them as “absolutely brilliant—but difficult to mind.”
Why?

• They hate being chilled.

• They don’t like getting too warm either.

• They need hours of darkness to turn that classic Christmas red.

Ger also had a warning: some poinsettias are grown too fast from seedlings and become top-heavy, which is why you often see them wrapped in plastic sleeves to hold them upright. His advice is simple—buy from a good Irish nursery, like the quality stock supplied at McGaughs.

Bare Root & Root Ball Trees & Outdoor Colour

Lots of people are picking up artificial trees already, and for outdoor displays, the root-ball and bare-root trees and hedging have now arrived.

Hydrangeas: To Cut or Not to Cut?

Hydrangeas normally shouldn’t be cut back at this time of year, but a listener sent in a photo of a particularly top-heavy hydrangea. Ger said in that case, yes, it will need a trim—but wait a few weeks, then cut it back only a little.

Monkey Plant Propagation

One gardener had a monkey plant that seemed to be dying, though a few green shoots were visible. Ger’s advice:
Now is the perfect time to try propagating it.
Use Better Plants Rooting Powder to give those cuttings the best chance.

Fallen Cordyline Troubles

A caller rang about a fallen cordyline. Unfortunately, Ger explained that cordylines do not replant easily. You can try—but success is unlikely.

Carpet Roses

For anyone growing carpet roses, the message was simple:
Cut them back tight and train them towards the wall, physically pushing and encouraging them to grow in that direction.

If you missed the show, hopefully this roundup keeps you on track for a productive November in the garden. Listen back to the full show here. And as always, McGaughs are only a phone call away for advice, bulbs, or supplies delivered nationwide.

Happy gardening! 🌱🌼

McGaughs on the Wagon Wheel 

This week on the Wagon Wheel, Ger McGaugh shared some timely advice for gardeners looking to get their lawns and roses in shape before autumn. With the weather currently ideal – not too hot or too dry – now is the perfect time to get outside and get stuck into your garden. Here is just a glimpse of the tips he offered! For a full recap listen to the Garden podcast here.

Lawn Care: Preparing Now for a Great Autumn and Beyond

Ger’s big focus this week was on lawn care, and the key message? August is the perfect time to reseed your lawn – whether it's a new lawn or you're reviving an existing one.

Why reseed now?

• Mid-August sowing gives grass the best chance to establish before winter.

• Weeds are less aggressive in autumn, so your grass has the upper hand.

• With current weather conditions – warm with just enough moisture – seeds will germinate quickly and root well.

Tips for a great lawn from Ger:

• Keep cutting: Regular mowing reduces weed growth and helps thicken your grass.

• Feed your lawn: Use an all-in-one feed to nourish the grass and tackle common lawn weeds like daisies (apply when they’re in the rosette stage).

• New lawns:

  • Start by spraying off weeds using Roundup or a similar product.

  • Once weeds are scorched, cultivate the area by hand – avoid machine rotavating if possible.

  • Same day as seeding, apply a slow-release fertilizer – it dissolves and grows along with the seed, promoting strong, healthy turf.

Roses: Time to Give Them a Boost

A listener asked about David Austin roses with holes in their leaves, and Ger diagnosed the issue as plants being run down after heavy flowering.

His advice?

• Apply Better Plants Rose Tonic – it gives roses the nutrients they need to bounce back, and can be used any time of year.

• Ger also recommended the Better Plants Organic Feed, a 100% organic, cold-pressed seaweed-based fertilizer – great for overall plant health.

• He even mentioned he had cut back his own roses, buds and all, to encourage a fresh flush of blooms in about three weeks.

Ger answered many more gardening questions during the show – from pests to planting tips. Don't miss the full episode!

Listen back here

A Guide to Lasting and Meaningful Tributes

Visiting a loved one’s grave is a deeply personal ritual — a way to stay close, honour memories, and keep traditions alive. But many people wonder: What should I leave at a grave? Whether you're looking for something long-lasting, seasonal, or heartfelt, there are plenty of thoughtful options.

Here’s a guide to help you choose the right tribute, from artificial arrangements to custom-made containers and candles.

Artificial Flower Arrangements: Beauty That Lasts

Artificial arrangements are a popular choice because they’re weather-resistant and stay looking fresh for much longer than real flowers. At McGaughs, we offer a wide range of ready-made grave flowers in:

• Wreaths (circular to represent eternal love)

• Posies (a compact and elegant option)

• Sprays (longer, teardrop-shaped and ideal for laying flat)

Each arrangement is designed with care and available in classic colour palettes like soft pinks, reds, whites, and seasonal tones.

Grave Plaques: Say It in Words

Sometimes, a few words can say everything. Grave plaques with messages offer a permanent or semi-permanent way to express love, remembrance, or even humour — depending on what your loved one would have appreciated.

At McGaughs, we stock a selection of engraved and message plaques, suitable for all relationships and sentiments.

Grave Candles: A Gentle Glow of Remembrance

Candles have long been a symbol of remembrance, and graveside candles offer a soft, respectful way to mark anniversaries, birthdays, or simply show that someone is missed. Look for windproof or enclosed candles that can last several days, especially in Irish weather.

Planted Containers: Living Tributes

For those who prefer something living, planted grave containers are a beautiful option. These can be filled with seasonal plants and maintained throughout the year.

You can:

• Pick from our ready-made containers, designed with colour and longevity in mind

• Or request a bespoke planted container, made to your preferences by the team at McGaughs

Whether you want something simple and evergreen, or vibrant and seasonal, we can tailor it to suit the person you're remembering.

Seasonal Fresh Flowers: A Timeless Tradition

Fresh flowers remain a cherished choice for many. If you're marking a special date or just want to bring something fresh, you might opt for:

• A fresh flower wreath

• A seasonal spray to lie across the grave

• A hand-tied posy

Some visitors change their fresh arrangements throughout the year — choosing spring daffodils, summer roses, or autumn foliage to reflect the season and keep the tribute personal.

Final Thoughts: Do What Feels Right

There’s no “right” way to decorate a grave. Some people prefer low-maintenance artificial pieces; others enjoy planting or arranging something new each visit. What matters most is that it’s personal to you and your loved one.

At McGaughs, we’re here to help you create something that feels right — whether it’s one of our ready-made tributes or something made just for you.

Browse our full collection of grave tributes here
Or get in touch with us for a custom arrangement tailored to your wishes.

Get Ready for Autumn Planting

As summer begins to wind down, it’s the perfect time to start planning ahead for a vibrant, colourful spring. At McGaughs, we’re excited to announce that our fresh stock of autumn bulbs from West Cork Bulbs will be arriving soon—just in time for the key planting months of August, September, and October.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, planting bulbs in autumn is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to guarantee a show-stopping garden early next year.

🌷 What to Plant in Autumn (August–October)

Here are some popular autumn-planted bulbs we’ll be stocking, perfect for Irish gardens:

August–September Planting:

• Narcissus (Daffodils): From traditional yellow trumpets to fancy doubles and multi-flowering types, daffodils are hardy and reliable.

• Crocus: Ideal for naturalising in grass or borders, crocus bloom early and are loved by pollinators.

• Alliums: Ornamental onions with striking globe-shaped flowers—plant now for stunning summer displays.

September–October Planting:

• Tulips: Wait until the weather cools a bit before planting tulips to avoid early sprouting. With hundreds of colours and forms, they’re a spring essential.

• Hyacinths: Known for their strong fragrance and rich colours. Great for borders, pots, or forcing indoors.

• Fritillaria: Unique and eye-catching, perfect for adding something a little different.

• Iris reticulata: Small but stunning, these irises bloom in late winter and are perfect for pots or rockeries.

• Snowdrops (Galanthus): Best planted "in the green," but we also stock dry bulbs in autumn for early spring blooms.

🌱 Top Tips for Planting Autumn Bulbs in Ireland

Ireland’s mild, moist autumn weather is ideal for bulb planting—just keep these tips in mind:

• Plant in well-drained soil to avoid bulbs rotting over winter. Raised beds or containers work well if your soil tends to be heavy.

• Depth matters: A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at 2–3 times their own depth, with the pointy end facing up.

• Group in clusters: Plant in groups of 5–10 for a more natural, impactful look rather than spacing them out evenly.

• Label your spots: It’s easy to forget where you planted—use markers to avoid digging them up later!

• Feed when in flower: A light feed in early spring when shoots emerge will help bulbs bloom beautifully and store energy for next year.

🐝 Great for Pollinators

Many autumn-planted spring-flowering bulbs are early nectar sources for bees and other beneficial insects. Crocus, alliums, and certain types of daffodils and hyacinths are especially valuable when little else is in bloom.

🌾 Why Buy from West Cork Bulbs at McGaughs?

We proudly source our bulbs from West Cork Bulbs, known for top-quality, carefully selected varieties that are perfectly suited to Irish growing conditions. When you shop at McGaughs, you're getting bulbs that are fresh, local, and chosen with Irish gardens in mind.

🛒 Visit Us Soon!

Our new range of autumn bulbs from West Cork Bulbs will be landing soon—don’t miss your chance to pick up your favourites while stock is fresh. Whether you're planting for spring colour, wildlife support, or just some garden joy, we’ve got everything you need at McGaughs.

Pop in, have a chat with our expert team, and let’s get planting!

A Vibrant Selection, Expert Advice, and Everything You Need to Grow Beautifully

If you’re dreaming of a garden bursting with colour, texture, and seasonal interest, look no further than the incredible range of herbaceous plants at McGaughs. Whether you’re filling out borders, refreshing your flower beds, or starting from scratch, we have everything you need—from a massive selection of plants to expert advice that helps you grow with confidence.

🌿 What Are Herbaceous Plants?

Herbaceous plants are soft-stemmed, non-woody plants that typically die back in winter and regrow each spring. They include a mix of perennials, annuals, and biennials, offering rich variety and flexibility in your garden design.

These plants are loved by gardeners for their vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and ability to suit everything from sunny borders to shaded corners. Plus, they’re perfect for pollinators!

🌼 Our Most Popular Herbaceous Picks

Here at McGaughs, we stock a huge variety of herbaceous plants to suit every taste and growing condition. Some of our customer favourites include:

Perennials (Come back year after year):

• Lupins – bold spires of colour, great in cottage gardens

• Hardy Geraniums – low-growing, long-flowering, and easy to care for

• Delphiniums – tall, elegant flowers that add drama to borders

• Hostas – shade-loving with lush foliage

• Peonies – luxurious blooms with a timeless feel

• Astilbes – feathery plumes ideal for damp, shady spots

• Echinacea (Coneflowers) – loved by bees and butterflies

• Phlox, Salvia, Heuchera, and Rudbeckia – all reliable and colourful choices

Annuals (Seasonal stunners):

• Dahlias – dazzling variety of shapes and colours, grown as annuals in cooler climates

• Cosmos, Zinnias, Marigolds, and Snapdragons – perfect for beds, borders, and containers

• Petunias and Impatiens – nonstop colour all summer long

Other Herbaceous Beauties to Explore:

• Campanula, Coreopsis, Yarrow (Achillea), and Gaura

• Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) for architectural impact

• Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) with soft chartreuse blooms

• Verbena and Nicotiana for trailing or scented additions

🛒 Why Shop Herbaceous Plants at McGaughs?

At McGaughs, we do more than just sell plants—we help you grow the garden you’ve always wanted. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer guidance, whether you’re unsure what thrives in shade, want to attract pollinators, or need advice on planting combinations.

With our huge, healthy selection and a staff that genuinely cares about gardening, McGaughs is your one-stop shop for transforming your outdoor space.

🌺 Visit Us Today

Ready to refresh your garden with gorgeous, reliable herbaceous plants? Stop by McGaughs and browse our stunning selection. Bring your ideas, your questions—and leave with beautiful plants and the confidence to grow them well.

Let’s grow something beautiful together.

Tips & Solutions from McGaughs Garden Centre in Galway

Storm Éowyn has left its mark across Galway, with high winds and heavy rain causing significant damage to trees, hedging, and gardens. If your outdoor space has suffered, don’t worry—many plants can recover with the right care, and if replacements are needed, McGaughs has you covered with an extensive selection of trees and hedging, including bare root and root ball options, delivered straight to your door.

Assessing Storm Damage

After a storm, it’s essential to inspect your trees and hedges for signs of damage. Here’s what to look for:

• Broken or Split Branches – Remove any weak or damaged limbs to prevent further issues.

• Leaning or Uprooted Trees – Smaller trees may be saved by staking and securing them upright.

• Hedge Gaps or Windburn – Some hedges may lose leaves or suffer from windburn, but recovery is possible with pruning and feeding.

Helping Your Trees & Hedges Recover

• Prune Damaged Areas – Remove broken branches cleanly to prevent disease.

• Support Young Trees – Use stakes to help stabilize any that have been shifted by the wind.

• Feed & Mulch – Apply a nutrient-rich feed and mulch around the base to encourage strong regrowth.

• Watering & Care – If the ground has dried out after excessive wind exposure, ensure your plants are well-watered.

When to Replace Trees & Hedges

Sometimes, trees and hedging may be too damaged to save. If more than 50% of the structure is compromised, replacement might be the best option. McGaughs stocks a wide range of hedging and trees, including bare root and root ball varieties, perfect for restoring your garden after storm damage.

Best Trees & Hedges for Wind Resistance

If you’re looking to replant with more storm-resistant options, consider:

• Trees: Oak, Scots Pine, Birch, and Mountain Ash are sturdy choices for exposed areas.

• Hedges: Griselinia, Beech, Laurel, and Whitethorn offer excellent wind resistance and structure.

Order Your Trees & Hedges with Nationwide Delivery

At McGaughs, we make restoring your garden easy. We offer an extensive range of trees and hedging, with bare root and root ball options available now. Plus, we deliver straight to your door, ensuring you get everything you need hassle-free.

📞 Call us today 091 755 330 or visit our garden centre to place your order and get expert advice on post-storm recovery!

A Complete Guide to Growing Beautiful Blooms

Daffodils are a beloved springtime flower that brings vibrant colours and joy to gardens. With numerous varieties, these resilient, easy-to-grow bulbs add cheerful blooms from early spring through late spring, depending on the variety. Here’s a guide to planting daffodils, choosing between varieties, and getting the most out of these beautiful plants year after year.

1. Understanding Daffodil Varieties: Are They All the Same?

Daffodils belong to the Narcissus genus and come in a wide range of sizes, colours, and blooming times. While they share similar growing needs, not all daffodil varieties are the same:

• Standard Daffodils: These are the classic yellow blooms most people recognize, but they also come in white, pink, and bicolour varieties. These daffodils are hardy and work well in garden beds or naturalized in lawns.

• Miniature Daffodils: Smaller and daintier, these varieties are perfect for rock gardens, containers, and borders. Popular varieties include ‘Tête-à-Tête’.

• Double Daffodils: Known for their showy, multiple layers of petals, double varieties add texture and interest to garden beds.

• Triandrus and Jonquil Daffodils: These types tend to have a more delicate appearance, with multiple blooms per stem, and are often fragrant.

Choosing the right variety for your climate and garden goals will help you create the best spring display.

2. When to Plant Daffodils

Daffodils are best planted from August onwards, about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This means planting up until late November. Planting early gives bulbs enough time to establish roots before winter, helping them burst into full bloom come spring.

3. Selecting and Preparing the Planting Site

Daffodils are versatile, but they thrive best with:

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: Daffodils prefer at least six hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate some shade, especially in warmer climates.
• Well-Draining Soil: Bulbs are prone to rot in waterlogged soil, so make sure the planting site has good drainage. Consider adding sand or compost to heavy soil to improve drainage and add nutrients.

4. How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs

Follow these steps for planting success:

• Digging the Hole: Dig holes about 6 inches deep for standard daffodil varieties, or 4-5 inches for miniatures. Aim for a planting depth about two times the height of the bulb.
• Spacing: Space bulbs about 3-6 inches apart. Plant in clusters or naturalized groups for the most visually appealing effect.
• Positioning the Bulb: Place the bulb in the hole with the pointy end facing up. Cover with soil and press down lightly.
• Watering: Water the area well after planting to help settle the soil and start root development. After the initial watering, you won’t need to water again unless there is a prolonged dry spell.

5. Caring for Daffodils Through the Seasons

Daffodils require little care once established, but a few simple practices will keep them healthy and blooming each year:

• Fertilizing: Daffodils benefit from a balanced bulb fertilizer applied in the fall when planting and in the early spring as the shoots start to emerge.
• Watering: While daffodils are fairly drought-tolerant, they will appreciate extra moisture in the spring. Once the blooms fade, they don’t require watering.
• Deadheading and Foliage Care: After flowering, remove spent blooms to keep the bulbs from using energy to produce seeds. Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as it feeds the bulb for next year’s blooms. Avoid cutting the leaves until they are yellow and withered.

6. Why Daffodils are a Perfect Addition to Your Garden

Daffodils are low-maintenance, versatile, and a reliable source of early spring colour. They are also hardy in most climates, and naturalize easily. With the right care and placement, daffodils will multiply over the years, creating a beautiful and ever-expanding display of cheerful blooms in your garden.

By planting a mix of early, mid-season, and late-blooming daffodil varieties, you can enjoy a succession of flowers from the first signs of spring well into late spring. With their vibrant colours, charming forms, and ease of care, daffodils are a must-have for any gardener looking to welcome spring with a burst of colour!

Choosing the Right Compost for Your Garden at McGaugh's in Galway

Selecting the right compost is essential for ensuring your garden thrives. The right blend can improve plant health, promote strong growth, and enhance flowering. At McGaugh’s Gardening Complex in Galway, we stock a wide variety of composts to suit all your gardening needs—whether you're potting houseplants, growing vegetables, or nurturing acid-loving plants. Let’s dive into the different types of compost we offer and how to choose the right one for your garden.

1. John Innes Compost Range: No. 1, 2, and 3

The John Innes compost range is well-known for its specialized formulas designed for various stages of plant growth:

• John Innes No. 1: Perfect for young plants, providing a balanced nutrient mix to encourage strong root development.
• John Innes No. 2: Ideal for established plants needing a little extra nutrition as they mature.
• John Innes No. 3: Best for mature plants that require a high nutrient content for long-term potting and growth.

By using the right John Innes compost, you ensure your plants get the care they need at each growth stage.

2. All-Purpose Compost

If you're looking for a versatile solution, all-purpose compost is a great choice. Suitable for a variety of plants, from flowers to shrubs, this compost provides a nutrient-rich environment for general gardening use. It’s a go-to option for anyone looking to buy compost for their garden.

3. Ericaceous Compost

Certain plants, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias, thrive in acidic soil. Ericaceous compost is specially formulated to meet their needs, helping these acid-loving plants grow healthily. For any gardener dealing with ericaceous plants, this compost is essential to maintain proper soil pH.

4. Aquatic Planting Compost

For those with water features, aquatic compost is designed specifically for plants growing in ponds and other water environments. This compost holds nutrients without leaching, ensuring your pond plants flourish.

5. John Innes Seed Sowing Compost

Starting your garden from seeds? John Innes Seed Sowing Compost is perfect for promoting seed germination. With a fine texture and low nutrient content, it supports delicate seedling growth without overwhelming young roots.

6. Living Green Organic All-Purpose Compost

For gardeners looking for eco-friendly solutions, we offer Living Green Organic All-Purpose Compost. Made from 100% natural materials, this compost is chemical-free and rich in nutrients. It’s perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and other plants sustainably.

7. Houseplant Compost

Your indoor plants have different needs than outdoor varieties. Our houseplant compost is designed to provide the right balance of moisture retention, aeration, and nutrients, helping your houseplants thrive in their indoor environment.

Why the Right Compost Matters

Using the correct compost is crucial to your garden's success. Each type of compost is designed to provide the specific nutrients and support that different plants require. Using the wrong compost can lead to nutrient deficiencies, poor growth, or even plant failure.

At McGaugh’s Gardening Complex in Galway, we offer expert advice to help you choose the right compost for your plants. Whether you're unsure about which compost to pick or have specific gardening questions, our team is always here to help. We are proud to supply the West of Ireland with top-quality compost for every need.

If you’d like more information or help choosing the right compost, give us a call or visit us in-store. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media for regular gardening tips, seasonal updates, and the latest product arrivals.

Buy Compost in Galway at McGaugh’s Gardening Complex

Looking to purchase high-quality compost? At McGaugh’s, we stock everything you need, including:

• John Innes Compost (No. 1, 2, 3)
• Ericaceous Compost
• All-Purpose Compost
• Living Green Organic Compost
• Houseplant Compost
• Aquatic Planting Compost

Visit us in Galway or contact us today to find the perfect compost for your garden.