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Carlow Garden Festival 2017
Gardening icon Monty Don returns to open the Carlow Garden Festival on Friday, 21 July, at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Carlow. He is joined at the festival, which runs over 10 days, by a range of garden experts, including Roy Lancaster, Paul Smyth and Joe Swift; John Anderson, Oliver Schurmann, June-Fearnley Whittingsstall, Mary Reynolds, Terence Reeves Smyth, James Wong, Dermot O’Neill, Neil Porteous, Fionnuala Fallon, Jimi Blake and Mary Keenan.
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Goldcrop Basfoliar Aktiv
Basfoliar Aktiv is a new biostimulant that triggers the plant’s own natural defence system against commonly occurring stress factors, such as pest and disease attack, drought, and less than ideal soil conditions. It is offered by Cork-based Goldcrop. Basfoliar Aktiv contains fresh liquid kelp extract with plant hormone content. It is applied two or three times in the growing season. Information: goldcrop.ie
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Blarney in Bloom
Blarney in Bloom in partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind returns to Blarney Castle on Sunday, 9 July, from 10am to 5pm. Featuring a large range of specialist plant nurseries, specialist speakers, farmers market, arts and crafts, as well as a fun dog show, this is a family day out to suit everyone. Entry to the fair also gives access Blarney’s gardens, an opportunity not to be missed.
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Dingle Peninsula Open Gardens
Now celebrating its eighth year, the Dingle Peninsula Open Gardens will take place on Sunday, 9 July, when eight gardens located in mid-Kerry will be open to the public. Tickets can be purchased on the day from Castlemaine Community Centre on the Tralee road in Castlemaine from 12.45pm onwards until 5.30pm.
Steel Trellis designs
Classic Garden Elements has a range of steel trellis in various designs and sizes for walls and require no annual treatments to provide robust and elegant support. All products are made in company’s own workshops of galvanized steel and powder-coated black and have a free 10-year, no-rust warranty. Visit www.classicgardenelements.ie or call 087-2306 128.
Altamont Gardens masterclass!
Carlow Garden Festival & Altamont Plant Sales presents a Gardening Masterclass on Friday, 28 July, at 11.00am with Roy Lancaster; 12.15pm, Paul Smyth and 3.00pm, Joe Swift. Tickets from Carlow Tourism or Altamont Plants. Roy Lancaster (photo) talks on 50 years of gardening. Paul Smyth’s talk is planting hunting from Carlow to the mountains of North Vietnam, and Joe Swift will talk on designing with plants.
Neptune’s three amigos
Neptune’s three summer amigos are table, chairs and parasol. Neptune’s solid teak Bordeaux dining table seats six and its round shape softens any outdoor scheme. The materials Neptune uses in its garden furniture are all happy outdoors. Asthall two-seater dining set, price €990. Chatto armchair is designed for al fresco living, price €936. Monaco dining table, price €990. See www.neptune.com for Irish stockists.
Ardgillan Castle and walled garden
The 25th Anniversary of the opening of Ardgillan Castle and walled garden to the public was marked by a visit from President Michael D. Higgins who planted a Killarney strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo. The 2.75 acre walled garden has matured with potagers of herbs and vegetables and labelled ornamental gardens. Beyond the walls, the rose garden, herbaceous border and National Potentilla Collection with over 250 varieties offer two hectares of ornamental gardens. Admission-free.
Gortnalee Garden Open
Gortnalee Garden, Donaghmore, Laois, Open Day in support of Laois Hospice is on Sunday, 9 July, from 2 to 6pm. Located near Junction 21 on the M7 and Junction 3 on the M8. This garden has woodland, cottage, tropical areas and sedum beds. Selection of plants for sale. All proceeds to the Hospice.
Tiptoe through the wildflowers!
A Wildflower-Growing Master Class to learn about growing wildflowers and to protect biodiversity, pollinators and birds is offered by Design by Nature, Carlow, with a farm walk, talk and open day on 15 July. Full details at www.wildflowers.ie.
