Madam, – Derek Scally’s mouth-watering account of German asparagus festivals (Weekend Review, April 30th) makes me wonder what has become of the famous Cork asparagus?
In the late 18th century, there were three large nurseries around Cork city, each supplying long lists of farm seeds and many species of trees, shrubs, fruit, vegetables and all sorts of flowers. All of them sold seeds and roots of the famous Cork asparagus. Thomas Sheehan claimed his big nursery was its birthplace: “100 blades weighed 30 pounds”. What has become of it? Why not a Cork asparagus festival? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I do wish our roadsides and roundabouts were “infested” with dandelions all year round (May 4th).
I pity your correspondent who wasn’t able to appreciate their lavish display this year.
I always welcome their arrival, but, after our severe drab winter and early spring, I regarded their golden quilts lying on green fields – and roundabouts – as a blessing from above!
Perhaps the gentleman would memorise a verse from our childhood, “Dandelion, yellow as gold, what do you do all day?” – Yours, etc,