THE 2024 PHOTO BLOG

THE MILL FIELD AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS IN APRIL 2024

April 8, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING A SONY FX30

I have already published photographs of what I described as Rhododendrons but I now suspect that my photographs included magnificent magnolias in the Mill Field. I mention this because on the following day I was watching Country File and there was a short section where Magnolias were discussed and I learned a lot that really surprised me.

A Splash Of Colour At The Botanic Gardens April 2024

Ancient Allure: Magnolias Through the Ages

Magnolias are an incredibly ancient lineage of flowering plants. Fossil evidence suggests they predate bees by millions of years, emerging during the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth. This long history explains a striking characteristic of magnolia flowers:

Built for Beetles: Unlike many flowers that evolved to attract bees, magnolias bear large, sturdy blooms with tough carpels (female reproductive parts). This structure evolved to withstand the weight and feeding habits of beetles, their primary pollinators. Today, beetles still play a role in magnolia pollination, along with other insects that visit the fragrant flowers.

Botanical Legacy: Pierre Magnol’s Contribution

It’s fitting the magnolia carries the name of Pierre Magnol, a true pioneer of botany. He revolutionised the way we think about plants by organising them into families based on shared characteristics. This concept underlies our entire modern system of plant classification! It’s a testament to the magnolia’s importance that it lent its name to an entire, extremely diverse family of plants, Magnoliaceae.

Magnolia Stars: Highlighting Featured Plants

Let’s shine a spotlight on the specific magnolias on view at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin:

Magnolia kobus (Kobus Magnolia): A native of Japan and Korea, this species boasts elegant, white star-shaped blooms in early spring, often before its leaves unfurl. It’s a smaller magnolia variety ideal for gardens.

Magnolia ‘Galaxy’: This hybrid magnolia is renowned for its stunning, large, goblet-shaped flowers that unfurl in a deep purplish-pink hue. ‘Galaxy’ is a vigorous grower, creating a dramatic spring display.

Magnolia x soulangeana ‘Alexandrina’: A classic saucer magnolia, ‘Alexandrina’ is beloved for its large, fragrant blooms. These emerge white and slowly develop a beautiful blush of pink as they mature.
Beyond the Blooms: Why Magnolias Matter

Magnolias captivate us with their breathtaking blooms, but their value extends far beyond their beauty:

Garden Gems: With varieties offering vibrant colours, a range of sizes, and differing bloom times, magnolias are stars of gardens and landscapes all over the world.

Ecological Importance: Magnolias attract pollinators, and their seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Cultural Significance: In many Asian cultures, magnolias symbolise nobility, strength, and perseverance.

A DISPLAY OF SPRING FLOWERS

April 8, 2024 by infomatique

THE MILL FIELD IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Typical Irish Spring Blooms

Ireland’s mild, maritime climate encourages a delightful display of spring flowers, including:

Daffodils: Cheerful symbols of spring, their bright yellow trumpets are iconic.
Primroses: These delicate, pale yellow flowers are often among the first to appear.
Bluebells: Carpets of vibrant bluebells create magical woodland scenes.
Snowdrops: These dainty white flowers symbolize hope and the end of winter.
Crocuses: Their vibrant colours add a pop of cheer to gardens and roadsides.
Early Flowering: Causes and Trends

There is strong evidence suggesting that many of Ireland’s spring flowers are blooming significantly earlier than in past decades. Here’s what might be happening:

Climate Change: Warmer average temperatures, particularly milder winters, disrupt plants’ natural cycles. This can trigger earlier flowering as plants misinterpret warmer weather as the start of spring.

Data Tracking: Detailed record-keeping by organisations like the National Biodiversity Data Centre helps track these changes compared to historical trends.

Local Variability: Weather patterns differ across Ireland, so the extent of early blooming varies. Urban areas might experience more pronounced effects due to the “heat island” effect.

Upsides and Downsides of Early Blooming

The consequences of these shifts are complex:

Positives:

Longer display of spring flowers for people to enjoy.
Potentially a head start for some pollinators, particularly if insects emerge earlier alongside blooms.

Negatives:

Mismatch with pollinators: If flowers bloom much earlier than insects emerge, there’s a risk of food shortages for pollinators and pollination failure for plants.

Vulnerability to Frost: Early buds and flowers may be damaged by late frosts, which are still possible in spring.

Ecosystem Disruption: The delicate balance of nature depends on timing. Changes in flowering can disrupt food chains and the interactions between species.

The Bigger Picture

Early-blooming spring flowers are one indicator of a changing climate. While these shifts might seem subtle at first, they could have cascading effects on Ireland’s ecosystems over time. Continued monitoring and research are essential to understand the long-term consequences and potential ways to help wildlife adapt.

As the were strong winds during my visit as and as the flowers were in constant motion I had to use very high shutter speeds and as a result the images contain a lot of noise.

A SPLASH OF COLOUR AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS DURING STORM KATHLEEN

April 6, 2024 by infomatique

6 APRIL 2024 WAS A VERY WINDY DAY

Battling the Wind at the Botanic Gardens

Storm Kathleen’s winds were whipping through Dublin today, and even the National Botanic Gardens weren’t immune. I’d ventured out with dreams of capturing the beauty of the spring blooms – flowering trees, bushes, and shrubs in all their glory. The Botanic Gardens are renowned for their Rhododendrons, and I was particularly eager to photograph these vibrant flowers.

It should be mentioned that there is an ongoing debate surrounding Rhododendrons, especially their invasive nature in areas like Killarney National Park. Putting that aside for the moment, my main obstacle became the weather itself. The wind was fierce, making the branches and flowers dance so wildly that photographing them clearly became an almost impossible feat. The persistent rain didn’t help matters either!

Despite the challenges I am reasonably happy with the resulting images.

THE BEST NIGHT EVER SCULPTURE BY BOB QUINN

April 6, 2024 by infomatique

DURING STORM KATHLEEN 6 APRIL 2024

Despite a storm warning, I decided to visit the Botanic Gardens. Keeping my lens dry was a significant challenge, and this greatly impacted nearly all of the images I captured.

I have photographed this sculpture many times as it is one of my favorites.

It’s worth noting that I have encountered another copy of this sculpture in City West. Unfortunately, the last time I tried to photograph the one in City West, I was informed by security, who shadowed me for about fifteen minutes, that I was on private property and that photography was prohibited. I was asked to leave immediately, and my policy is not to argue.

Born in 1948, Bob Quinn enjoyed a long career in the Irish advertising business as a commercial artist, designer, and the head of a successful design and production company. He now works full time as a sculptor in Blackrock, Co Dublin, where he lives with his wife and two daughters.

Over the weekend, Storm Kathleen swept across Ireland, leaving a trail of disruption in its wake. With its powerful gusts and heavy rainfall, the storm caused widespread power outages and travel chaos throughout the country, but it was at its worst in the South and the West.

Storm Kathleen made landfall with potent winds, reaching speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour along coastal regions. Counties Galway and Mayo bore the brunt of its impact, facing a Status Orange wind warning. The rest of Ireland was under a Yellow wind warning, still experiencing significant disruptions. Fallen trees and power lines were widespread, leaving approximately 34,000 homes and businesses without electricity. ESB Networks scrambled to restore power, but many areas remained in the dark for extended periods.

The storm’s potent winds caused significant disruptions to transportation networks. Rail services in and out of Dublin’s Heuston Station were suspended due to a fallen tree obstructing the line. Flights, particularly those to and from Belfast City Airport, faced cancellations. Ferry crossings were also affected, with choppy seas causing delays and cancellations.

Authorities issued warnings urging people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The ESB emphasized the danger of downed power lines, advising the public to never approach them and instead report incidents immediately. The Irish Coast Guard also warned of dangerous coastal conditions.

TU DUBLIN’S ACADEMIC HUB 2 APRIL 2024

April 4, 2024 by infomatique

A FLAGSHIP BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Academic Hub at TU Dublin in Grangegorman promises to be a transformative addition to the campus. This ambitious project will culminate in a 12,600 square meter, state-of-the-art building designed to house an extensive range of student and staff support services. The Career Development Centre, Assistive Technologies, Maths Learning Centre, and Academic Writing Centre will all find a new home in this centralised location.

By consolidating TU Dublin’s seven library sites into this single comprehensive facility, the Academic Hub will enhance student access to vital resources and support networks.

This landmark development represents a significant investment of over €70 million by the Irish government into tertiary education. Funding comes from a strategic combination of TU Dublin property sales and exchequer funding made available through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, marked the occasion on January 11th by stating, “Today marks another major step in the advancement of TU Dublin as we move forward with a new Academic Hub & Library on this ever-growing campus. The Academic Hub, which thoughtfully incorporates the historic North House into its design, is a truly exciting and impressive development. Consolidating seven library sites into this single, state-of-the-art facility will provide students and staff with exceptional resources to achieve their best.”

Additional Details (based on personal research):Architect: O’Donnell + Tuomey
Building Features: The Academic Hub may include a vibrant ground floor with student services, a café, exhibition space, and a Learning Commons while offering views across the city from its upper levels.
Sustainability: The Academic Hub could incorporate sustainable building practices to reduce its environmental impact.