ISNA?

This is a blog post replying to a few people who have asked why I’m not a member of ISNA.

I have tried and way back at the beginning (2021’ish)I was accepted “on principle” when I filled out my application forms, but I wasn’t set up to get to plant fairs so I couldn’t be a member. A shame really, as at the time the publicity from Ireland’s only established association representing independent nurseries would have really helped me get my name out there and sell some plants.

Anyway, them’s the rules. I’ve applied on and off every other year since, but they’re never accepting new members those years.

I asked to join again this year, but was told the board had discussed and considered all applications at the AGM and had decided they weren’t taking new members this year because they’re streamlining their application process… again, slightly disappointing because the three ISNA only fairs this year are all on my doorstep (Mount Congreve, Fota & Mallow). Fairs that will have my target audience at and are always well attended.

Anyway, I’m just letting people know the craic. I’m sure there’s nothing nefarious going on. So, find me at one of the many non-ISNA fairs, or come visit me when I do my pop-up plant sales at Lismore Health Store :)

Go support the lads at ISNA fairs! A couple of them in particular (Mike, Shady Plants, Ali, Leaf & Petal) are absolutely sound and have been hugely supportive and generous with their time and info! Seek them out, buy their beautiful things! It’s so important to support independent nurseries and give gardeners the option to buy and support small! If we don’t big each other up and get our names out there the choice diminishes and only behemoths importing mass produced shit survive and Tesco’s and over-priced, over-bred stock at garden centres become the only options available to gardeners… and already cash-strapped small growers give up and call it quits.