Here’s a St. Patrick’s Day treat for the gardener. A very low-maintenance addition to the garden bed and it grows wonderfully in containers too.

The Blarney Stone is a huge rock that was set into the walls of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland. According to the long time legend, if you kiss the stone you’ll get “the gift of the gab” (meaning great eloquence or skill at flattery – Wikipedia). The trick is that you have to lean upside down and on your back to kiss it though.

Or, you can grow your own. Here are some details from the “seed pack.”

Botanical Name: Stonius blarneieio ‘Rock Garden’

Type: Permanently Irish

Height: Unknown

Planting Depth: Any

Germination Temperature: 32 F / 0 C

Spacing of Seeds: One or two countries apart

Caution: Blarney self-sows rapidly when left unchecked, and with the right environment, care and feeding.

Site and Soil Preparation: Choose any sunny or shade location. Plant seeds in any type of soil. Best to prepare anytime. Add amendments whenever you feel like it.

When to Plant: In mild climates, plant outdoors March through February. In severe climates, start indoors March 17, transplant outdoors after March 18.

Maintenance and Care: Provide a structure to support your weight while you watch it grow. Protect Blarney from slugs by using the stone to eliminate them. Keep dry between waterings, drought tolerant before established. Harvest frequently for best results. Blarney is not meant to offend, just cajole.

Only available here. Contact me if you want a pack – it’ll cost one SASE.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!