Our Herb Nursery

Ivywood Botanicals is a medicinal plant nursery based in Tulla, Co. Clare, Ireland, specialising in medicinal plants from around the world. It is owned and run by herbalists Ross Hennessy and Marina Kesso. The nursery originally operated in Co. Sligo under the name Bareroot Botanicals before relocating to its woodland home at Ivywood.

Please note: the herb nursery is only open to visitors on open days and course days.

All Ivywood plants are grown without artificial fertilisers or agri-chemicals. Organic and biodynamic methods are used throughout, as these plants are grown specifically for medicinal use. We cultivate over 200 species of medicinal plants, which are available to the public through our online shop and shipped nationwide via courier.

Plants are dispatched only after emerging from winter dormancy in April. Each plant is carefully wrapped in straw and paper to retain moisture around the root ball. Orders are shipped in the morning and delivered within one to two days. Tracking information is provided once your package leaves Ivywood.

Please ensure someone is home to receive your plants. Although plants generally tolerate up to seven days in transit using our method, we avoid sending orders on Thursdays or Fridays to prevent weekend delays in courier depots.

Pre-orders

Pre-orders open in mid-November. Most nursery stock becomes available at this time, but plants are shipped only when they emerge from dormancy in mid-April. All plants are grown at Ivywood from seed and cutting. Delays may occur due to spring weather, though usually no more than a week. Tender plants are marked clearly and should be kept indoors until frost has passed. Some tender species are shipped in May.

When your package arrives

You will receive notifications when your order is being shipped and again when it is out for delivery. Open the box immediately and check all plants. If any roots appear dry, immerse the pot briefly in water for 10 minutes.

Prepare your planting site ahead of time so the plants can be set into the ground immediately. Dig a hole 3–4 times wider than the root mass, loosen the soil and remove weeds. If required, add compost, seaweed powder, or organic fertiliser. Medicinal plants generally do not require heavy feeding. Water thoroughly for the first few days after planting.

If potting on, have pots and compost ready. Plants in 9 cm pots should be moved to 2–3 L pots; plants in 2 L pots should be moved to 3–5 L pots. Suitable composts include Living Green and Klassmann organic potting compost, both available in peat-free options.

Be kind to your roots!

Before packing, we loosen the roots of larger plants and remove some soil to encourage strong root establishment. Plants grow better when roots are teased out rather than kept in the tight shape of their pot. This step is especially important for root-harvested medicinal plants.

If you wish to collect your order in person, please contact us before placing the order so arrangements can be made.

To complement the nursery, we teach courses on growing medicinal plants and making herbal remedies at home. See our events page for details.