Curiouser and curiouser

Finlay Colley describes his obsession with rare plant collecting as a kind of madness. But it is one from which all gardeners can benefit

Anyone who attends plant fairs around the country will know of Finlay Colley. The most passionate of plantsmen, he is the owner of Rare Plants Ireland, a treasure trove of horticultural curiosities from all over the world.

After leaving a career in the airline business post 9/11, Colley concentrated on establishing a nursery devoted to unusual hardy trees, shrubs, perennials and alpines. He used to sell airline tickets for a living. Now, through ...