For centuries, herbs have played an important role in supporting health and wellbeing, earning a place in gardens, kitchens and traditional medicine cabinets across the world. In this fascinating talk with Helen Begadon, discover how some of nature’s most valuable plants can be grown successfully at home while also learning about their long-established medicinal uses.
The presentation will explore ten popular Irish medicinal plants, providing practical advice on the conditions they need to grow and thrive and how they can support the treatment of a wide range of health conditions. The talk will delve into the traditional and modern uses of each herb, highlighting how they have been used to support health and wellbeing through the generations. From soothing teas and calming remedies to herbs valued for their digestive, antiseptic and immune – supporting properties, participants will discover the remarkable connections between gardening and natural wellness. Factors including soil type, sunlight, watering requirements and seasonal care will also be covered.
Perfect for gardeners, nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in traditional remedies, this engaging session offers an opportunity to learn how a small herb garden can become both a beautiful feature and a valuable resource. Due to the popularity of the talks at Kilgraney House and Gardens each year, two talks have been arranged with the first one at 3 p.m. and a repeat of the talk provided again at 5.30 p.m.
About Helen Begadon
Helen Begadon is one of Ireland’s most respected herbal medicine educators and practitioners, with more than four decades of experience in the field of natural health and plant-based medicine. She is the founder of The Irish School of Herbal Medicine and serves as Director of Core College, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, where she has helped train generations of herbal practitioners.
A qualified Master Herbalist and Iridologist, Helen has been practising herbal medicine since the early 1980s. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about promoting the safe and effective use of medicinal plants while inspiring others to reconnect with the healing potential of the natural world. As an educator, clinician and course director, she has played a significant role in advancing herbal medicine education in Ireland and beyond.
Explore Kilgraney House and Gallery
Some places reveal themselves slowly. Kilgraney House and Herb Gardens is one such place.
Nestled in rolling countryside, overlooking the fertile Barrow Valley, Kilgraney invites visitors to do exactly what Carlow is known for – to Wander Off the Track and discover something unexpected. Here, nature, heritage, creativity and wellbeing come together in a setting that feels a world away from the rush of modern life.
The gardens themselves are a journey through centuries of herbal knowledge. Rather than one formal space, Kilgraney unfolds as a series of interconnected gardens, each with its own story to tell. Wander through the medicinal herb courtyard, where plants traditionally used to support different parts of the body grow in carefully designed beds. Explore the fragrant herb garden, the medieval monastic herb garden inspired by the healing traditions of Ireland’s early monasteries, and the tea walk lined with herbs used in infusions and natural remedies. The organic kitchen garden, aromatic courtyards and Celtic Woodland Walk all celebrate the deep relationship between people, plants and the landscape.
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