Earlier this month, Jo and Ian McGarry travelled to Italy to personally select new large specimens for Caragh Nurseries & Earlswood, with one clear aim, to bring back plants that would genuinely excite and inspire Earlswood customers.

Early February in Italy isn’t all blue skies and sunhats, and this trip was no exception. Grey skies and cooler temperatures set the tone, but even under cloud there was no mistaking the significance of where they were headed. In Tuscany, and more specifically Pistoia, horticulture sits at the heart of everything.

Pistoia is one of Europe’s great nursery hubs, quietly supplying gardens, landscapes and estates across the continent. Behind modest gates lie rows of specialist growers producing plants of remarkable quality, trees and shrubs shaped by years of careful pruning, training and patience. It’s a place where experience matters, and where seeing plants in person makes all the difference.

Why Source in Italy?

Sourcing in Italy is never just about buying stock. It’s about visiting trusted growers, inspecting plants up close, and choosing specimens that combine structure, maturity and long-term performance. Every plant is assessed not only for how it looks on the day, but for how it will settle, grow and thrive in Irish gardens.

The focus is always on plants that deliver immediate impact while offering lasting value. Pieces that can transform a space instantly, but continue to improve with time.

When selecting stock, particular attention is given to:

• Strong structural plants that bring instant definition to a garden
• Mediterranean character that suits Irish conditions without unnecessary maintenance
• Mature specimen shapes that cannot be rushed or replicated quickly
• Evergreen structure for year-round screening, privacy and polish
• Stand-out statement pieces that stop people in their tracks

Each plant is chosen individually, not ordered from a catalogue or selected in bulk. This hands-on approach ensures consistency in quality and a level of character that mass sourcing simply cannot achieve.

The Results ~ Now In Stock at Earlswood!