Garden.ie & The Irish Garden magazine

29/07/2025

Carlow Garden Festival

Altamont Plant Sales sets the stage for an inspiring day of gardening excellence as two of the UK’s most acclaimed horticultural voices—Rosy Hardy and Nick Bailey—share their stories, tips and design know-how in this special double event at the Carlow Garden Festival.

Friday 1st August 2025

Venue: Altamont Plant Sales, Tullow, Co. Carlow R93 N882
Time: 11.30 a.m.
Admission: €20 or €35 for both talks.

From The Back Garden to Gold Medals
Join one of the UK’s most celebrated plantswomen, RHS Vice-President Rosy Hardy, for an entertaining talk that traces her remarkable horticultural journey. In From The Back Garden to Gold Medals, Rosy shares how a modest beginning—selling plants from her back garden—blossomed into the creation of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, now one of Britain’s leading specialist nurseries.
This session offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of horticulture, from nurturing perennials to preparing award-winning displays for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. With an astonishing 24 RHS Chelsea Gold Medals to her name, Rosy will reveal the challenges, triumphs and teamwork behind every show garden, as well as the passion and precision it takes to succeed on such a prestigious stage.

This down-to-earth talk is filled with expert tips, planting advice and practical insights to help you make the most of your own garden—whatever its size. From choosing the right plants for your conditions to achieving long-lasting colour and structure, Rosy’s advice is rooted in years of hands-on experience and a deep passion for perennials.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your garden to the next level, this is a chance to learn from one of the most knowledgeable and approachable voices in UK gardening. Expect inspiration, guidance—and a few laughs along the way!

Design Your Garden in Ten Easy Steps
Join celebrated UK gardener and TV personality Nick Bailey for an inspiring and practical talk on how to design or reimagine your garden with ease. In Design Your Garden in 10 Easy Steps, Nick breaks down the garden design process into simple, achievable stages, perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
Packed with expert guidance, this talk covers everything from selecting the right plants for the right space to creating year-round interest and colour in the garden. Whether you’re looking to revamp a tired garden, start from scratch or inject new life into your outdoor space, Nick’s clear, step-by-step approach will give you the confidence and know-how to bring your vision to life.
As well as sharing invaluable design tips, Nick will delight the audience with entertaining anecdotes from his career in TV gardening, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the world of horticultural broadcasting! With his trademark enthusiasm and wealth of experience, this is a must-see event for anyone looking to transform their garden with practical, professional advice.

23/07/2025

Carlow Garden Festival

My Journey to 19 RHS Chelsea Medals with Sarah Eberle – 11am, Thursday 31st July 2025 🏆🌹

Join Sarah Eberle at Borris House on Thursday, 31st July 2025, at 11 a.m. for an inspiring talk, My Journey to 19 RHS Chelsea Medals, part of the Carlow Garden Festival 2025. With over 40 years of experience and 19 gold medals from the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sarah shares the story behind her award-winning gardens, the challenges faced, and lessons learned.
The talk offers unique insights into garden design, sustainable practices, and the evolving trends of the Chelsea Flower Show, appealing to gardeners of all levels. Admission of €20 includes entry to the Lace Garden at Borris House.
Guided tours of Borris House are also available at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. for €10 per person.
🚌 Leave the car at home and take the bus to this year’s Carlow Garden Festival, it’s easier, greener, and a great way to meet fellow garden lovers along the way. For full details and to book your space, visit www.carlowgardentrail.com

21/07/2025

🌸 365 Days of Colour with Nick Bailey 🌸

Join us at the Irish National Stud & Gardens this July for an inspiring Garden Masterclass with Nick Bailey, BBC Gardeners’ World presenter and award-winning horticulturist 🌿

📅 Friday 25th July
🕚 11am - 3pm
📍 Irish National Stud & Gardens

Learn how to bring year-round colour, structure, and depth to your garden, with expert tips, a Walk & Talk through the Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s garden, and a buffet lunch - all included in your ticket. This event is perfect for gardeners of all levels 🌱✨

🎟️ Secure your place now via our website! https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lTBkq0

16/07/2025

Carlow Garden Festival
The History of the Phoenix Park 1880–1980: A Talk by Dr John McCullen at Altamont Gardens – 11am, Tuesday 29th July 2025
Join historian and former Chief Park Superintendent John McCullen for the Carlow Garden Festival as he looks at the Phoenix Park’s evolution from 1880 to 1980. Building upon his acclaimed 2009 publication, “An Illustrated History of the Phoenix Park: Landscape and Management to 1880”, this talk delves into a century marked by significant transformations within one of Europe’s largest urban parks. This event is part of the Carlow Garden Festival 2025 and takes place on Tuesday, 29th July at 11 am at Altamont Gardens, Tullow.
Dr. McCullen explores key developments in Phoenix Park, including the introduction of ornamental plantations, landscape features such as the Gough Monument and Citadel Pond, and structures like the bandstand and tea kiosk. The talk also highlights major events hosted in the park, such as the 1903 International Speed Trials, the 1932 Eucharistic Congress, and the 1979 Papal Visit, reflecting important cultural and social changes in Ireland.
The event will be held indoors in a marquee on the grounds of Altamont Plant Sales, with the opportunity to explore Altamont Gardens and the Corona North Commemorative Border before or after the talk. Admission is €10.
Signed copies of “The History of the Phoenix Park 1880–1980” will be available on the day, while stocks last. Alternatively, a special bundle of both “An Illustrated History of the Phoenix Park: Landscape and Management to 1880” and “The History of the Phoenix Park 1880–1980” can be purchased for €70. To avoid disappointment, you can reserve your copy in advance by emailing: [email protected]
🚌 Leave the car at home and take the bus to this year’s Carlow Garden Festival, it’s easier, greener, and a great way to meet fellow garden lovers along the way. For full details and to book your space, visit www.carlowgardentrail.com

09/07/2025

Carlow Garden Festival

On Sunday, 27th July 2025, join Matthew Wilson at Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens for a fascinating talk titled "A Tale of Two Gardens: Hyde Hall, Essex & Harlow Carr, Harrogate."

Starting at 3p.m, Matthew will share his experiences managing these iconic RHS gardens, offering expert advice on plant selection, design ideas, and adapting planting schemes to different conditions. The talk takes place indoors in a marquee, followed by the chance to explore the beautiful historic Walled Gardens. Admission is €20. Visit www.carlowgardentrail.com to book your place.

09/07/2025

The Irish Garden team are delighted to be attending the Johnstown Castle Garden Fair this Sunday, the 13th of July from 10am-4pm 🌼
Come say hi to our team and check out our special event offer!

08/07/2025

We’re hiring an Editor for The Irish Garden.
Part/full-time, hybrid working.
Closing date for application Monday 14 July
For more information go to www.ifj.ie/careers

08/07/2025

07/07/2025

The latest issue of The Irish Garden magazine is on sale now 🌸

The Irish Garden, for Irish gardeners, by Irish gardeners.

Why not subscribe and never miss an issue? https://subscribe.garden.ie/

03/07/2025

On Saturday, 26th July 2025, join Peter O’Mahony and Adam Frost for a unique conversation at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, starting at 7.30 p.m.
Discover how rugby star Peter O’Mahony finds peace and passion in gardening, and hear Adam Frost share expert insights and bold ideas for Peter’s Garden. 🌼
Expect lively debate, gardening tips for all levels, and a book signing with Adam Frost. Admission is €25, with a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more.
Warm clothing is recommended for this evening event. Enjoy late shopping at Arboretum until 10 p.m. and consider booking a two-course buffet meal at Rachel’s Garden Café from 5 to 7 p.m. (€24.95). Book your tickets and meal in advance to secure your place.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.carlowgardentrail.com