As the evenings draw in and the light softens, gardens across Ireland begin their slow drift into autumn. But the season doesn’t have to mean the end of colour, interest, or life in the garden. In fact, autumn can be one of the most rewarding times to garden, if you choose the right plants.
At Tantalus Plant Nursery in West Cork, ecological gardening isn’t a passing trend, it’s a way of life. And at the heart of the nursery is Cara, a horticulturist with more than 20 years of experience in Ireland’s amenity horticulture industry. Her work blends scientific understanding with real creative flair, resulting in plant collections that are as beautiful as they are beneficial.
“For me, gardening is about working with nature, not against it,” Cara says.
“The most rewarding gardens are the ones where plants, wildlife, and people can all thrive together.”
A Career Rooted in Plants and Purpose
Cara’s passion for plants runs deep, backed by years of study and hands-on experience. Her qualifications include a First Class Honours degree in Horticultural Science and most recently, she completed a Master’s in Biodiversity, Wildlife and Ecosystem Health at the University of Edinburgh, a course that strengthened her belief that every successful garden starts with understanding how living systems work together.
At Tantalus, this knowledge shapes everything, from the propagation benches to the nursery layout, and is reflected in every plant selected for sale. The emphasis is always on resilient, wildlife-friendly perennials that thrive in Irish conditions.
Cara’s Late-Season Favourites for Autumn Colour
Autumn can be one of the most vibrant times of year if you know where to look. At Tantalus, the team focuses on long-flowering, late-blooming perennials that provide food for pollinators long after summer bedding has faded.
Here are some of Cara’s top recommendations for the season:
Tricyrtis hirta ‘Miyazaki’ (Japanese toad lily) – A delicate, speckled beauty that thrives in shade and flowers into early autumn.
Nepeta racemosa – Fragrant and floriferous, adored by bees and easy to grow.
Salvia brevilabra – Bold and upright with nectar-rich spires for late-season colour.
Rudbeckia subtomentosa ‘Henry Eilers’ – Golden, rolled petals add structure and warmth.
Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ (Monkshood) – Tall, dramatic, and striking in late borders.
Hesperantha coccinea (River lily) – Bright, water-loving, and perfect for damp spots well into October.
Each of these perennials earns its place by being beautiful, resilient, and ecologically valuable, a combination that sums up Cara’s approach perfectly.
More Than a Nursery: A Vision for Sustainable Gardening
Under Cara’s guidance, Tantalus Plant Nursery has become a destination for gardeners who care about both beauty and balance. The focus is on creating gardens that look after themselves and the wildlife around them.
Whether you’re replanting a border, adding colour to a shady corner, or designing for pollinators, Cara’s advice always comes back to one thing, gardening with nature, not against it.
Autumn Plant Sale, Friday, 11th October
If you’re near West Cork, (or even if you're not, its worth the trip), don’t miss the Tantalus Autumn Plant Sale:
Tantalus Farm Gate, Scilly, Kinsale
Saturday, 11th October 10am - 5pm
10% off all plants on the day
Come along, meet Cara in person, and get practical advice on choosing the right plants for your garden this autumn.
For details, call Cara on 087 223 2739
You’ll find plants that bring colour, structure, and life to your garden and you’ll be supporting a local nursery that puts ecology and integrity first.
