Ray Breegan operates the digger to prepare planting holes for the outdoor palms, Maurice Maxwell (background), Chargehand Gardener for the section, oversees the work.

The idea of Palms growing outdoors in Ireland may seem an oddity, but in fact a number of species are hardy in our climate given the right conditions - of these drainage in winter is vital. Some may succumb to winter frosts, but the experiment will, nonetheless be interesting.