FAQ's

Please find answers to some potential questions you might have regarding our nursery, our stock and some general garden queries below! (Please note some important information in the last point, FAQ 12!)

1. Where can we find you? 

Smarty Plants Nursery is located just outside Naas, Co. Kildare. However, unfortunately we are not open to the public. You can currently find us at the weekly Naas Farmers Market (A.K.A. Naas Potato Market) in the centre of Naas town every Saturday (unless otherwise specified) from 10am-3pm. We will also be making appearances at various other markets and plant fairs throughout the year, and will be sure to keep you updated on this well in advance.

 

2. How can we contact you?

 We are open to receiving any queries and requests you might have. Please feel free to contact us at any time via our numerous contact options: email (info@smartyplants.ie), WhatsApp (+353892183035), Instagram (@smartyplants.ie) and Facebook (Smarty Plants Nursery).

 

3. I see something I would like to purchase on the website. Is it possible to view the plant before committing to a purchase?

Absolutely! Please feel free to email (info@smartyplants.ie) or WhatsApp (0892183035) us at any time with your requests, and we will send on some up-to-date photos as soon as we can. Alternatively, let us know what you are looking for and we can bring some sample plants to our market location so you can see them in person.

 

4. Do you deliver? 

As we are only a very new nursery in our start-up phase, we only offer click and collect and very localised delivery options for the moment. We are not currently in a position to offer nationwide deliveries at this time. However, we are actively working on this and after a few more practice runs with packaging and deliveries through courier services, when we are 100% happy with the results, then we will of course be opening our delivery services to all locations across the Island of Ireland.

 

5. How often do I need to water/feed my plants?

All plants will need careful attention with regard to watering during the initial couple of months when first planted. This is because the root system may be young or restricted to the pot that it came in, and will take a bit of time to establish properly in its new planting space. Be sure to dig the ground up a bit where planting, to allow for the roots to easily spread and establish.

For plants purchased and planted between April and September, they should be well-watered at least once or twice a week. However, during any very hot, dry spells, watering should be checked every 1-2 days until they are established and can look after themselves. Feeding during this time is not always essential, but can be applied to improve the growth, flowering and overall condition of your plants and keep them looking their best. Liquid feed is usually fast-acting and is typically applied every 1-2 weeks, while slower acting granular feeds are typically applied every 6-8 weeks. This does vary with every product, so be sure to carefully follow the application rates and instructions on the product packaging.  

During winter and spring months, watering should not be as much of an issue. Feeding should be avoided from October-March. 

 

6. How much sun do my plants need? 

Different plants have different sunlight requirements - some plants need full sun in order to grow and flower well, while other plants may need more or less total shade in order for them to thrive. Be sure to read the description on each plant, or use our plant collections (found under the 'All Plants' tab) to make sure you are selecting the right plant choice for your specific garden space.

- A 'Full Sun' plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day (typically a South or South-West facing garden)

- A 'Semi-Shade' plant requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight a day (typically a North-East, North-West, South-East or South-West facing garden). This is usually a garden space that receives either morning or evening sun (or both!), while avoiding the hot mid-afternoon sun. Most full-sun plants will grow well in these areas, but might flower a bit less than they would in a full-sun location. 

- A 'Shade' plant requires good protection from direct sunlight, so usually 3 hours or less in the morning and/or evening is suitable (typically a North-facing garden). Shelter from overhead trees or surrounding walls is where these plants grow best, as the ground does not dry out as much and they are protected from leaf scorch caused by too much direct sunlight. 

 

7. Do I need to cut my plants back in the winter? 

Most of our perennial plants go into dormancy for the winter months, where they will naturally die back with the frost (or in some cases before this). Plants can be cleaned up and cut back once the plant is dormant. Some plants, such as grasses, Rudbeckia, Helenium, etc, can still retain some interest during the winter months with their seed heads or autumnal colours, and so the pruning can be left until late February/March. Those specified as Evergreen/Semi-Evergreen will also retain interest during the winter and spring months, but will generally benefit from a prune back in March to allow for fresh new spring growth, which will rejuvenate your plant for the upcoming growing season. Specific pruning details have been included for some plants in the description where applicable. If no details of this kind are included in the description, it can be assumed the plant can be cut back once it goes dormant in November/December. Any doubts - just send us a message and we will be happy to advise!

 

8. Do I need to move/protect my plants in the winter? 

Generally our full selection of perennials are hardy towards cold temperatures and will withstand our typical winter climate without any problems. Some plants are described as being a bit on the tender side, in which case maybe adding a protective layer of bark mulch may improve their chances for coming back next year. Alternatively, these plants can be kept in a pot rather than planting out in the garden, where they can then be moved somewhere more sheltered for the winter months. Some plants will not like areas that get too wet in the winter months, as it may lead to root rot and so may effect their chances of coming back next year, so this is also something to keep in mind when selecting plants for particular areas of your garden. You can find information on how to address the issue of waterlogged soils below in FAQ No. 11.

 

9. Something does not look right with my plants. What should I do?

If you have any concerns about your plant health at any stage, please do contact us as soon as possible so we can advise on what might be the cause and what might be a suitable remedy. Be it markings or bite marks on the leaves, visible insects, wilting, discolouration, etc, give us a shout when you first realise the issue and we can hopefully rectify before it goes too far. This doesn't just apply to your plants purchased from Smarty Plants - we are always happy to advise on your plants, trees and shrubs already existing in your garden or those purchased elsewhere. 

 

10. My soil is very hard and dry. What can I do to improve it? 

This seems to be a problem in many gardens, particularly in some new build estates where old rubble and concrete has just been buried under the lawn. In this case it is best to remove as much of the poor soil, large rocks and concrete debris as possible, and improve the soil by adding fresh screened topsoil (ensure it is good quality and from a reputable source!), compost and soil conditioner, digging it in to the existing ground where you intend to plant. If this sounds like it might be too much work, raised beds and containers are always an option to successfully grow a wide range of plants.

For existing gardens that just need general soil improving, you can add a thin layer of well-rotted manure to your beds during the dormant winter/spring months (December-March), taking care to leave a bit of clear space around existing shrubs and tree trunks. This will gradually break down and improve the soil. Similarly, applying a layer of bark mulch will help retain moisture in the soil and will gradually break down into the soil while also acting as a weed suppressant. 

 

11. My soil is very waterlogged, especially in the winter months. What can I do to improve it?

There is a decent selection of plants available that is tolerant of wet, boggy soil conditions, so you can always carefully select plants that will suit this space and will thrive without having to improve the area. However, if garden space is limited or the damp area is more of a nuisance than anything, there are a number of things you can do to improve the space and widen the range of planting options. 

- You can dig in some horticultural sand or grit into the soil which will help improve the drainage overall while also improving the conditions for plant roots to spread and anchor properly, which is essential for their survival. 

- Adding organic matter, such as manure or bark mulch as described above, will gradually improve your soil condition and help to balance out the water retention. This is a bit of a longer process that may take repetition over a few growing seasons before the issue is fully resolved. 

- Installing raised beds or using containers in these areas is a quick-fix way to allow for immediate planting in the space.

- Regularly aerating the soil is particularly useful for improving a lawn space that is prone to waterlogging. 

- Another option is to dig a trench to divert the water from where it is building up to another area of the garden. Just be careful that in doing this, you don't impose the same problem on to a neighbour next door!

 

12. Are the plants going to be in flower when I receive my order? 

Depending on the season/time of year, plants may or may not be in flower at the time you receive your order. Each plant has its own specific cycle that allows it to grow and flower at its appropriate time of year, and it's important to allow that flowering cycle to happen naturally. Flowering times are highlighted in each individual plants description, so if a plant is purchased within this flowering time then it is likely to be in flower when your order is received. However, if a summer-flowering perennial is ordered in early spring, for example, then this plant will not be in flower at the time your order is received. 

Further to this, if a plant is ordered within its flowering time, there is a chance you might receive the plant after a recent prune back or deadheading carried out by us here at the nursery. Again, this process is important for maintaining your plants health and ensuring it thrives to its best ability after it arrives to you. We would not do this if it wasn't an important step in your plants development, so please trust the process and watch as your plant quickly grows fresh new foliage and flowers. 

On a final note, many of these perennial plants will die back with late autumn frost and will go in to their winter dormancy. Again, this is an important stage in the plants cycle, and is one of the primary reasons these plants can survive year-after-year. If you order plants between November and April, don't be alarmed if you receive plant pots that look to be just full of soil and roots. Your plant is in there, just in its stage of hibernation, and will start to peep up once the weather improves and the daylight hours start to get longer.