Contents

NEWS

03 Horticulture News

IN PICTURES

06 Photos from Horticulture events

TEAGASC

08 All the latest news from Teagasc

EVENTS

10 Horticulture trade events

BORD BIA

12 All the latest news from Bord Bia

RETAIL

15 AN EMOTIONAL BUSINESS
Liam Kelly explores how spreading some love on the shop floor can help the bottom line

NURSERY

17 MITTELSTAND LESSONS FROM GERMANY
Dónall Flanagan shares some very useful insights from Germany

20 MAKING THE CASE FOR HORTICULTURE
Stiofán Nutty explores how changing times may provide an opportunity for those willing to exploit them

INSIGHT

23 WHY ARE YOU IN BUSINESS?
Terry O’Regan reaches retirement, he asks a question we should all consider

25 IN PRAISE OF SWALES
Feidhlim Harty explains why we need to see greater use of swales in the Irish landscape

29 THE THERAPEUTIC USE OF HORTICULTURE IN IRELAND: SYMPOSIUM REPORT
Rachel Freeman reviews the recent inaugural symposium on the use, benefits and future development of social and therapeutic horticulture in Ireland

33 HOW GREEN IS YOUR BUSINESS?
John Murphy reflects on his business practices in light of growing climate change concerns

JOBS

35 Latest horticulture jobs from Horticulture.jobs

INTERVIEW

36 MAKING THE PHOENIX BLOOM
Interview with Bloom originator, Gary Graham about the show and his plans for the future.

EDUCATION

41 EDUCATION INVESTMENTS BARE FRUIT
John Mulhern explains how investment in facilities and course offerings are really starting to show a return

RESEARCH

43 BIOCHAR POTENTIAL
Drs. Karen O’Hanlon and Munoo Prasad explore the exciting potential of Biochar as a plant growth promoter

45 BEST4SOIL: DEVELOPING A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL TO GUIDE CROP ROTATION IN EUROPE
Dheeraj S. Rathore and Dr. Michael T. Gaffney share results from recent developments of Best4soil, a tool aimed at re-establishing soil health in Europe

EDIBLES

47 SUSTAINABLE EATING AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PRODUCE SECTOR
Lorcan Bourke explores how rising environmental awareness is impacting consuming habits