Yew: Why the Native Irish Tree Still Deserves a Place in Our Gardens

When people think of yew, they often picture dark, clipped hedges in old churchyards or formal gardens. But Taxus baccata, our native Irish yew, is a far more interesting — and ecologically valuable — plant than it's often given credit for. In the right setting, yew can be one of the most resilient, long-lived and wildlife-friendly trees or shrubs you can use in an Irish garden. And for gardens in Cork and across Ireland, it's a plant that quietly ticks a lot of boxes.

A Native with a Long History in Ireland

Taxus baccata is native to Ireland and has been growing here since long before formal gardens existed. Some of the oldest yews in the country are thought to be well over a thousand years old, which gives you a sense of just how well adapted this tree is to our climate. It naturally grows in woodland settings, often in partial shade, which makes it particularly useful for north-facing gardens, sheltered urban plots and gardens with tricky light conditions — something many Cork city gardens can struggle with.

Ecological High Achiever

From an ecological point of view, yew is a quiet achiever.

• Its dense evergreen structure provides year-round shelter for birds

• The red arils (the fleshy part around the seed) are eaten by birds in autumn

• Its longevity means it becomes a stable part of the ecosystem over time

Unlike some faster-growing trees, yew doesn't rush. It grows slowly and steadily, creating long-term habitat rather than short-term impact — something I increasingly value in ecological garden design.Because it holds its structure all year, yew is especially useful in gardens designed with wildlife in mind, where winter cover is just as important as summer flowers.

Not Just for Formal Hedges

One of the reasons yew has fallen out of favour in domestic gardens is its association with formal, clipped shapes. While it does clip beautifully, that's only one way to use it. However, left to grow with minimal intervention, yew takes on a much softer, more relaxed character — perfect for contemporary garden design where structure is needed without rigidity.

In a more naturalistic or plant-led garden,  which is Taxus baccata works well as:

• A softly shaped evergreen backdrop

• A small multi-stem tree

• A dark, grounding contrast to lighter planting

• A long-term structural anchor among perennials and grasses

Ideal for Small and Urban Gardens

Despite its reputation as a large tree, yew is surprisingly adaptable. It can be kept compact for decades, making it suitable for small gardens, town gardens and suburban sites. Because it tolerates shade, pollution and pruning, it's a reliable choice where other trees might struggle.

In urban Cork gardens, where space is often limited and privacy is important, yew can:

• Provide screening without taking up too much room

• Create a sense of enclosure

• Offer year-round greenery in tight spaces

A Word of Caution (and Common Sense)

It's worth saying that most parts of Taxus baccata are toxic if ingested, which often puts people off. In reality, many common garden plants are toxic too, and yew has been used safely in gardens for centuries. As with any plant choice, it's about appropriate placement and informed design — something a garden designer can help with, especially in family gardens.

Why I Use Yew in Garden Design

As a garden design studio based in Cork City, we're always looking for plants that:

• Work with Irish conditions

• Support biodiversity

• Provide long-term structure

• Age gracefully rather than needing constant replacement

Taxus baccata does all of this — quietly and reliably. Especially in a time when gardens are being asked to do more ecological work, native plants like yew play an important role. They remind us that good garden design isn't just about quick impact, but about creating landscapes that will still make sense in 20, 50 or even 100 years' time.

Thinking About Using Yew in Your Garden?

If you're redesigning a garden in Cork or elsewhere in Ireland and want planting that offers structure, longevity and ecological value, yew is well worth considering — especially when used in a thoughtful, site-specific way. Good garden design is about choosing the right plant for the right place, and Taxus baccata is one of those plants that rewards patience and care. 

Carol 23/02/26

Hard Landscaping: Don't be swayed by trends.

When it comes to enhancing the beauty and structure of a garden design, in my opinion few materials rival the charm and durability of natural stone. As a landscape designer, my appreciation for natural stone is rooted in a simple phrase: "I know what I like." This sentiment echoes the words of the esteemed landscape designer, Piet Oudolf, who, when asked to define his style, succinctly replied with that same phrase! It's a reminder that design is as much about personal taste as it is about trends and certainly to have longevity in design one has to look beyond the trend. No articles in this website on "Whats trending for 2026"! 

Back to stone. I my view, it can work in any setting. Its versatility and resilience make it an ideal choice for hard landscaping elements, adding both aesthetic appeal and practical function. I really like to use two types of natural stone in my garden designs:  Irish Limestone and Donegal Quartzite.

Irish Limestone is celebrated for its rich, blue-grey tones and fine grain, offering a sleek, sophisticated look that harmonises with both contemporary and traditional garden designs. Its durability and weather resistance make it perfect for patios, pathways, and walling, providing a strong yet elegant foundation for a landscape design that will stand the test of time. I love the way it ages- seeing lichens develop and changes in colours over time is so beautiful. Overall it's ideal for Irish climatic conditions. 

Donegal Quartzite, on the other hand, boasts warm, golden hues with occasional shimmering flecks, bringing a natural radiance to outdoor spaces, especially if you would like to try a different colour scheme.  Its rugged texture and unique colour variations add character and charm, making it a favourite for feature walls, stepping stones, decorative accents and patios. Personally, its the way it catches the light that I particularly love and sometimes its nice to have a different colour palette for the hard surfaces that suits the Irish climate. 

However, sometimes you don't have to choose between one or the other. For example, in one of my garden designs in Cork City in 2025, I specified both Donegal Quartzite and Kilkenny so if you like a mixture of stone it is possible to have different types of stone and blend them together seamlessly.  I created a post on my Instagram account here https://www.instagram.com/p/DQpG2MNiG4J/?img_index=1</p>  where the effect of combining the stone is really effective. 

Carol 06/01/2026

Cork Beo

Really pleased to have my garden design at The Girl's Garden at Eglantine National School, Ballinlough Featured in Cork Beo. This was the national school I went to and it was a truly lovely experience to be able to lend a hand to the Parent’s Assocation in creating what will be a gorgeous, sensory, environmental, fun and learning resource for all of the school community for many years to come. This was part of my pro-bono work that I like to do to be able to give back to my community. 

Read all about it here: https://www.corkbeo.ie/culture/family-kids/cork-school-plants-new-sensory-33087400</h2>

Planning a Rural Garden In Ireland

I created, what I feel, is a lovely concept design image for my Instagram account in order to demonstrate how you could plan your garden if you are building or renovating a rural property. 

Garden design for a rural garden has to be dictated by working with the natural landscape rather than against it. In my opinion it's much nicer to see a more naturalistic garden design in a rural setting. The starting point is to observe existing views, slopes, mature trees and wildlife corridors, then plan paths, seating areas and planting that enhance these features instead of hiding them. Soil type and local climate strongly influence plant choice. Looking at soil type and noting sun, shade and wind exposure helps select hardy, low‑maintenance plants that thrive without excessive watering or chemicals. Native species and perennials usually blend in the most with rural settings and are usually a planning requirement in any landscape or garden design, especially for planning permission applications.

Practical access is essential. Wide, simple paths allow easy movement for wheelbarrows and equipment, while clearly defined zones for vegetables, orchards, lawns and wildflower areas keep the garden functional and easy to maintain. Water collection from roofs and discreet storage areas reduce visual clutter.

Wildlife‑friendly features such as hedgerows, ponds, log piles and flowering meadows support biodiversity and give the garden a natural, relaxed character. Using local materials for walls, fences and seating helps the garden sit comfortably in the wider countryside and preserves an authentic rural feel.  For some more concept design images for a rural garden check out my Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSLQ8L4iFZP/?img_index=1