About Ann McCarron

Ann McCarron

Horticulturalist

Hi, I’m Ann, also known as Mrs. Bloom!

I’m Irish, living and working in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I switched careers in 2010, leaving Public Affairs to study my long time passion, horticulture. I love working outdoors with people and plants, so working freelance in community and therapeutic horticulture is a dream come true.

I’ve been gardening all my life in one form or another, but my obsession for growing really kicked in when I got my first allotment. I love growing fruit and vegetables, but cut flowers is what gardening is all about for me. Being able to pick your own bouquet of flowers whenever you want is the best feeling ever.

Q: What’s your favorite plant?

A: This is THE hardest question ever! But, right now, I’d have to say the old fashioned favourite, dahlia. So many forms and colours to choose from, super easy to grow and they make you look like an accomplished grower even if you’re not.

Q: What is your “spirit vegetable”?

A: It’s got to be a Brussels sprout! You either love them or hate them! They are a traditional Christmas vegetable and I’m a Christmas baby, plus their flavour can be a bit nutty!

Q: What’s the most unusual plant you’ve grown?

A: Luffa is definitely the most unusual plant I’ve ever grown. I live in a cold, wet, short season climate and I managed to successfully grow a sub tropical luffa in my greenhouse and loved every minute of it. Feeling extremely smug now when I use my homegrown, plastic free luffa in the shower.

Articles from Ann McCarron

Salvia Chamaedryoides: How To Grow Germander Sage

Salvia chamaedryoides

Salvia chamaedryoides, more commonly known as Germander sage, Mexican blue sage or blue oak sage, is a versatile ornamental shrub with the most vibrant, true blue flowers that will catch the eye of any gardener. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert, 7000ft high above sea level in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Mexico. … Read more