The summer is over and once again the woods and hedgerows are filled with nature’s colourful harvest. Berries seem particularly abundant this year – as I look out my kitchen window, I can see a holly tree some distance away laden down with large clusters of red berries. While the garden has lost its summer colours, this morning I managed to gather an armful of material for tomorrow’s class that included crabapples, some still flowering foxgloves, Michaelmas daisies and numerous types of leaves.

WEEKLY CLASSES – MOYCULLEN, Co. GALWAY
Autumn classes are now in full swing on Thursday mornings in Moycullen at our lovely new venue in Áras Uilinn. At last, we have room for more students, and a wonderful, bright room in which to work. Although we are three weeks into the present 8-week course, if anyone would like to join us, a pro rata fee can be arranged. Each student receives individual tutoring at their own level, and beginners are very welcome. A new term begins on Thursday 16 November and bookings are now being taken. A full schedule of classes up to May 2018 is now available. Please email me at laragan.hall@gmail.com for further details or to book a place.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS – CLAREGALWAY CASTLE
In addition to the weekly classes in Moycullen, I also have two day-long workshops at Claregalway Castle on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 October. Workshops are from 10am until 4pm, and the cost for a single workshop is €65, including lunch. Book and pay in advance for the two workshops and you save €10 (€120 for the two workshops, including lunch). There will be more workshops at the castle during the winter months – dates to be announced shortly.

CHRISTMAS ART & CRAFT FAIRS
Christmas Fairs may seem a long way off right now, but bookings begin early. This year, I am delighted that my botanical cards and prints have been accepted for the annual pre-Christmas Spiddal Gift Shop in the heart of Spiddal village in Co. Galway. The pop-up shop opens 23 November and closes 24 December. It is open seven days a week, 9-7 Monday to Saturday, 12-6 on Sunday. The shop features high quality local arts and crafts and is a really excellent spot for Christmas shopping.
I shall also have a stand at the NUIG Craft Fair on Wednesday 29 November, where proceeds are donated to animal charities in the Galway area, and of course, I shall be at the very festive Claregalway Castle Christmas Fair as usual in early December (date tba).

CARDS AND PRINTS
My cards and mounted prints are carried in Moycullen Book Shop, and my cards are also for sale at the National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre in Glasnevin. You can also order directly from me at laragan.hall@gmail.com. Limited edition archival pigment ink prints are also available.