If you wander lonely as a cloud...

You might see the daffodils,

but you could miss Spring unfolding in St Joseph's Square!

Among the first plants to show its wares this year is the Paper Bush - EDGEWORTHIA Chrysantha.

Edgeworthia Chrysantha in Saint Joseph's Square

The genus EDGEWORTHIA is named after Michael Pakenham Edgeworth (1812 - 1881) of County Longford who was a keen botanist and lived most of his life in India. The species is named for its colour, Chrysantha which means having golden flowers.

Related to the Daphne, this deciduous shrub prefers full sun or partial shade. Though still a small plant, it will grow to 2m high, with a 2m spread, and it originated in the steep slopes of China. The yellow flowers appear in late winter or early spring on bare stems. Each flower is covered in silky white hairs which make the whole plant appear frosty when in bud. In calm days, it exudes a wonderful fragrance.

The Paper Bush (EDGEWORTHIA Chrysantha) is located in Saint Joseph's Square,
near the entrance to Humanity / Dunboyne

This little and discreet plant is in stark contrast to the much more brazen Japonica Quince (CHAENOMELES japonica which is also in full flower at the opposite side of Saint Joseph's Square, near the entrance to New House.

Japonica Quince (CHAENOMELES japonica) in full flower.

The Magnificent Magnolias on Saint Joseph's Square are also bursting into bloom.
Watch out for their display.

Some other aspects of the College Grounds and Gardens:

• Entrance Park, with the Silken Thomas Yew – Ireland’s oldest native tree
• The Dawn Redwoods - Maynooth's living fossils