The Irish Gardener

08/10/2026

What do you think of what they're doing on the South Mall in Cork?
I’ve spent plenty of time stuck in traffic watching this transformation take shape on the South Mall over the past year.
The planting is looking excellent, from the tree pits and planting depth to the mix of trees and plants.
This is so much more than decoration. This greenery will bring shade, support wildlife and make the city centre a better place to walk, sit and spend time.
A brilliant investment in Cork’s living infrastructure. Well done to Cork City Council and everyone involved

04/10/2026

Elaeagnus ebbingei, a mouthful of a name for an easy to grow, evergreen, wind tolerant hedge.

In flower now, not easy to spot visually but believe me, you will smell them

A beautiful, sweet scent and important for pollinators at this time of year


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21/09/2026

Gardening talk in Skibbereen this Friday.

You can buy every plant on the list and still end up with a garden that does not quite work. I will be at Deelish Garden Centre talking about why, and what to do about it.

Colour combinations, how to use texture in your planting, and how to do both in a way that brings your garden to life.

There will be time for your own garden questions afterwards.

Friday 25 September at 1pm
Deelish Garden Centre, Skibbereen, P81 P275
€15, and spaces are limited

To book, call Deelish on 028 21374 or email [email protected]

More about the talk:

Join me at Deelish Garden Centre, Skibbereen on Friday 25 September at 1pm for a talk on colour, texture and biodiversity. €15, booking essential

13/09/2026

have you ever planted something (like cousin May's rose!!) to mark a happy (or not so happy) occasion?

07/09/2026

An 89-year-old woman in London has spent 25 years looking after a street garden outside her front door. Around twenty pots. Tomatoes, geraniums, herbs, a grape vine and a bench. The local orchestra nicknamed the street "The Pots."

In July, the council told her to remove it.

Fifty years earlier, residents of a small street in Delft blocked their road and planted trees without asking anyone. The city fought them, then eventually accepted they had a point. That street helped shape how Dutch streets are designed to this day.

Two very similar acts. Two completely different responses.

Link below isn't working but proper link to full article in comments below

Westminster told an 89-year-old to remove her 25-year street garden. In Delft, similar resident action changed street design. What should authorities do?

05/09/2026

When do you think is the best time for planting???

Traditionally we were told only to plant only during a month with an 'r'in it...Why was that???

There's more than a little something in it too, working with the seasons, read on....
https://theirishgardener.com/pages/when-to-plant-in-ireland
- Peter Dowdall – The Irish Gardener

30/08/2026

Should we be looking further afield at new plants to suit our changing climate or are native plants now, more important than ever.
That was the question i asked in my column in this week's Irish Examiner...

What do you think?

24/08/2026

the drought this summer meant that I never got to enjoy these Hydrangea Bobo at there lush whitest best - but I did enjoy the sunshine!!
However, even if early, they are really showing off their autumn tones now, really beautiful shades, most likely made better by the summer sunshine.
How did your fare this summer?