5 in Five is a video showcase of Ireland’s native plants and wild places delivered in 5 minute episodes by Trinity College Botany Department and Trinity College Botanic Garden, filmed and produced by Photic Design. The idea was hatched by head of department Professor Jennifer McElwain while out walking within her 5km radius of home during the COVID lockdown. The aim with this new video flora of Ireland is to present 5 plant species in five minutes in an engaging way that showcases Ireland’s plant diversity in their native habitats, whether a shingle beach, mountain bog or old city wall.
Books, phone apps and public talks are all wonderful resources to learn about our flora and fauna however you cannot beat spending 5 minutes with an expert in the field. The ‘5 in Five’ series will immerse you in a field experience for five minutes in your busy day. The short videos will highlight the most common plants in your neighborhood, some of their medicinal and culinary uses, their interactions with pollinators, useful identification tips and stories behind their original discovery and naming – all in 5 minutes!