Outside the Maria Edgeworth Centre is a grassy area with path and seating and along the walls you can find the Centre Garden. These pages give you details of the plants in that Garden.
Sarcococca is a genus of 11 species of flowering plants in the box family Buxaceae, native to eastern and southeastern Asia and the Himalayas. They are slow-growing, monoecious, evergreen shrubs 1–2 m tall. The leaves are borne alternately, 3–12 cm long and 1–4 cm broad.
Sometimes called the Christmas Box as it bears scented white blooms in winter. Its sweet vanilla-like fragrance can be enjoyed at a time of year when there is little other scents in your garden. It is also prized for its rich green foliage.
It is a good plant in shrubberies as it provides contrast. Grow it near a path so you can enjoy the scent, as a hedge perhaps.
Sarcocoa produces small black berries which are eaten by birds.
The leaves and stems of the plants are used in Chinese medicine as anti-inflammatories and as analgesics.
Sarococoa can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings or by sowing its berries which you harvest in winter. It will thrive in a moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade
Step back into a Victorian Festive Season with a 90-minute talk from Dr Melissa Shiels, followed by a tutored tasting of three red and three white wines with Mary Gaynor. Discover the origins of our festive customs, savour seasonal wines, and enjoy cheese and nibbles.
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