Is this West Cork’s first edible roundabout?

asks Noah Chase, Deelish Garden Centre

Deelish Garden Centre decided to donate the 250 year old specimen tree that now takes pride of place at the roundabout approaching Skibbereen from the N71 Cork road having selected it on a trip to Holland earlier in the year. It had been sourced from northern Italy and is a well-travelled olive tree. In addition it may now be the oldest living tree in Skibbereen town.

Deelish have been supplying olive trees of all sizes for many years and as long as they have good drainage they can withstand cold temperatures and wind over the winter months. Indeed last year some of their olive trees even produced some fruits!

Traditionally, olives are symbols of peace and friendship, so the tree seemed like a particularly suitable choice to welcome people to Skibbereen as they approach the roundabout on the Cork road.

The roundabout planting theme is based on Mediterranean plants, olive (peace and friendship), creeping rosemary (religious legend is tied to Mary, the Mother of Jesus) and lavender (valued for its fragrance and healing properties). All the plants selected can be used in cooking and celebrate all the amazing food being grown and produced in  West Cork. In the years ahead, many people travelling to enjoy ‘A Taste of West Cork’ food festival events will also pass this roundabout on their culinary journey.

The large rope around the outside of the planting is salvaged from Baltimore and represents West Cork’s connection to the sea and our mild weather which allows us to grow many plants which do not survive in other parts of Ireland. With the reality of climate change our growing options have increased and the crops being grown in the future will change with the weather. Grapes are now grown on a commercial scale in Kinsale and lavender in Courtmacsherry. Which town will have the first olive grove?

Many thanks to Skibbereen Tidy Towns and Cork County Council for the opportunity to provide a warm welcome to everyone arriving in Skibbereen.

Photo credit: Andrew Harris