Latest news with #SuperGarden
Irish Examiner
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Super Garden' recreated at local school to honour late gardener
The wife of a talented gardener who died shortly after winning RTÉ's Super Garden competition has said she is delighted to see his creation living on in a local school in their hometown. John Dooley and his wife Elizabeth from Castledermot, Co Kildare, won the top prize for their design "Past, Present, and Future" last year. Their feature garden, which was displayed at last year's Bloom festival, emphasised the importance of using land to produce food and protect the environment. John, a former farm manager and gardener who was self-taught, focused on pollinators, medicinal plants, and vegetables. Tragically, just one day after he began clearing away his design when Bloom ended last June, John suffered a heart attack at home and died. Now, his wife Elizabeth has marked the first anniversary of his death by opening "John's Garden" at Scoil Diarmada in Castledermot, where he donated the creation after his big win. 'The night before his anniversary, I thought: 'Oh no, I will have to go through this ordeal again, and I'd be crying and having red cheeks all the time,'' she told the Irish Examiner."I told myself: Get up and get ready. His garden and the school have really kept me going, this is what John wanted and that has helped me 'John and I were very close and had similar interests, so I talk to him every day. I talk to his photo, and I feel him all around. Liz Dooley, centre, cutting the ribbon at Scoil Diarmada to officially open the garden her late husband John Dooley donated to the school. Picture: Moya Nolan 'John wanted to pass the garden on, he was over the moon when he won, and he wanted the school to have the garden because he felt like the old way of growing your own vegetables was being lost.' Cutting the ribbon at the official opening at the front of the school, Elizabeth told locals: 'John would really love this, and you're all here now in his memory, and I wish everyone joy as they come into the garden.' John, who was 62 and originally from Killeen in Co Laois, was described as a 'laid-back man with a huge talent for gardening'. 'There was nothing he couldn't do,' said his wife. 'I entered him for the Super Garden." The couple, who celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary last July, were 19 and 22 when they got married. 'He came to the dances here in Castledermot and we met there. He was in good health, but suffered a heart attack around nine years ago. But he was going well. He tended to the garden in the local Church of the Assumption after he was made redundant as a farm manager. "That's where we got married there, and that is where his funeral Mass was too.' Elizabeth said she now finds some solace knowing the garden has been donated to the local children. 'His dreams and wishes will live on in that garden," she added. Principal Jennifer Murphy speaking to visitors at the opening of the garden Liz's late husband John Dooley donated to the school. Picture: Moya Nolan Scoil Diarmada principal Jennifer Murphy paid tribute to John and Elizabeth, saying: 'The most important thing we have learned is that gardening is not an instant thing." 'In a world where we don't always understand the promise of time and patience, the children are now learning to appreciate that if you plant a seed it takes a lot of time and care to grow. "This will be the legacy that John leaves us. May he rest in peace." Read More Colin Sheridan: Bloom is the crowning jewel of our capital city
Irish Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Property expert reveals biggest 2025 trends - with one surprising comeback
When the weather allows it, outdoor living is big in Ireland. Once the summer comes, we like to bring the indoors outside, by turning the back garden into an extra room. Whether you've a big garden or a compact patio, whether your budget is modest or large, there's a lot you can do to make it a beautiful space to spend long summer evenings. The two big property trends for 2025 is the surprise return of decking, and also, the outdoor sauna and plunge pool. Brian Burke, a judge on RTE's Super Garden, said: "There's a growing move toward wilder, natural spaces away from concrete-heavy overly manicured landscapes. "People want plants, trees and a bit of wildlife. Native species like hawthorn trees and hedgerows. Plants once considered 'weeds', like dandelions and buttercups, are left to grow as bees rely on them for pollen." The summer months will always be warm enough to sit outside, but coverage and heating is crucial on chilly or drizzly evenings. Brian said: "Whether it's 19C and sunny or a damp spring day, people want somewhere dry. DIYers are building shelters with polycarbonate or perspex roofing. They're inexpensive, hugely popular, and can become real garden features." The home sauna and plunge pool is the big outdoor trend of 2025 for those who have the space and money. Brian added: "There are compact garden units available and reasonably priced. They fit snugly into corners and offer an invigorating cold-water experience, though they're still more niche than mainstream." Brian told how decking had its heyday in the late 1990s to 2008, during Ireland's property boom - but it's making a return. He said: "Decking got a bad rep during that time, because it was overpriced, poor quality and often badly fitted. Now the well-designed timber decks are proving successful in our damp climate." On the quirkier trends, dog showers are becoming a thing. "Especially in the muddy months of winter, a simple wash station - often built from galvanised sheeting and tucked in near the back door - can be a game-changer." "Thoughtful outdoor lighting can transform how a space is used and enjoyed. That's whether you're adding wall lights to a timber shelter, illuminating a pathway, or setting the mood for evening gatherings. Landscape designer Kathryn Feeley said: "Ireland's climate demands durable outdoor furniture. High quality metal pieces that stand up to the elements. "While hardwood furniture like teak looks stunning, it often requires more maintenance. Trees with a light canopy provide lovely, dappled shade in the summer but still allow light through in cooler months. Pergolas and awnings are excellent choices. Lightweight parasols can be easily stored in a shed to cantilever designs with arms that arch gracefully over seating areas." Pictures of perfect patios can be unrealistic - we also have to use these spaces for more mundane matters like clothes-drying. It's hard to get everything into one spot - washing lines and dining space. Feeley added: "Washing lines, for example, can be discreet and flexible. Wall-mounted for small spaces, retractable, or lightweight ones you can easily put away when entertaining. Some even slot neatly into hidden niches. "BBQs are always popular at this time of year, but they need to be kept out of sight when not in use. Back them up against a side wall so you don't see them when you're looking out the window." Chloe McKeown, of Kukoon Rugs, advises home owners to go for bold patterns and colours. She said: "Don't be afraid of colour and pattern - go loud and bold. There can often be a hesitancy to introduce bold colours into your indoor space so why not take the opportunity to experiment with playfulness and pattern outdoors." EZ Living has just opened a special outdoor living shop in its Sandyford outlet, the Garden Room. Spokeswoman Sarah Dunne said: "Gardens are becoming stylish extensions of the home. "Plush seating like our Hampton range and layered textiles from the Diablo collection bring indoor comfort outside. Multi-functional furniture is in high demand - our Elara dining sets feature built-in fire pits, while the Hampton coffee table includes an ice bucket for easy entertaining. "Finish the look with bold accessories: bright pinks, blues, textured cushions, and statement patterns add vibrant character to any outdoor space." Inside the beautiful Irish home sold for just €6 with the seller 'over the moon' Outdoor rugs are a great way to blend style and comfort. Here are tips on how to nail it, by experts from Kukoon rugs. Maximise the minimalism: Minimalism can help you lead a simple, more fulfilling life and it looks great too. Clean-lined and monochromatic rugs are ideal. If you're adopting a minimalism approach, less colour is definitely more so opt for timeless neutrals, whites, blacks and greys. Boho brilliance: Boho-style doesn't have rules so feel free to mix patterns and textures that would not necessarily go together, think festive lights, oversized candles and rattan lanterns. A touch of Tuscany: Bring Tuscan allure to your outdoor oasis is easier than you think. Start with potted evergreens or lush foliage that add to the sense of tranquillity. Add an oversized outdoor rug and some patterned cushions for the perfect stylish contrast to the earthy tones of terracotta and greenery. Free flowing style: Take the time to rearrange your furniture to allow your indoor style to seamlessly flow outdoors. Open concept living areas offer the perfect summer vibe.
Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Lots of colour, great atmosphere': Sunshine returns to Bord Bia Bloom as thousands turn out for second day
While the opening day had been hit by rain, 'real Bloom weather' as some called it, returned yesterday and brought with it a smell of sunscreen in the air. It was the first day of Bloom for Aisling Newe, from Co Galway, who praised the 'vibes' and the exhibits on display. 'I'm loving the show gardens – judging them as if I know, like an expert here. But they're really good, to see what they could do with such small spaces. It's really inspiring.' She found the Bee Happy wildlife garden – which won a silver medal and was the winning garden on RTÉ One's Super Garden – the most inspiring. Ms Newe said she came to the festival for a 'bit of inspiration for the future'. 'I don't have green fingers, but I like to think I have. I love a lot of indoor plants, so I am interested in plants… I'd love a really nice garden like this.' Fionnuala and Emmet Savage from Dublin, who were wandering through the gardens with two big bags of plants, most definitely do have green fingers. 'I can't believe the amount of vendors since I was here first, which was probably about six or seven years ago,' Mr Savage said. 'Feels like it's about 10 times larger than the first time we were here, between food and natural producers, and then, of course, plants. 'I enjoyed walking through the model gardens, but I just enjoy walking through the place and absorbing the summer atmosphere.' His wife, Fionnuala, who was looking for gardening inspiration, said: 'It's elevated again this year. More space, bigger, and everything is just fabulous. Very impressive.' ADVERTISEMENT The best show garden for Anita Deane and Margaret Deane Carolan was Nature's Symphony: Celebrating Organic Growth, which pays homage to the Bloom patron, President Michael D Higgins. 'The Michael D Higgins garden is fabulous, you can smell seaweed,' Ms Deane Carolan said. 'Lots of colour, great atmosphere.' Always the biggest attraction of the festival, the 21 show gardens were all designed with sustainability in mind and incorporating environmental measures. Many visitors admiring them were chatting with their designers and asking for gardening advice. The Repak Most Sorted Garden won the overall large garden category award and was very popular with the public, and designer James Purdy said winning the gold feels like a 'recognition for your hard work'. 'It's not normal to put wine bottles, crushed cans and old brick in a garden and make it look beautiful. So I'm glad I've got it over the line well,' he said. In his garden, he wanted to 'look for the beauty in recycled, refined and reused materials'. Another winner was The European Commission's Renewed Blooms Garden, designed by David Negus from Suffolk, England, who won the overall medium garden category award. It is his first time at Bloom, and he said it felt 'surreal' to win the award for his garden, which features a discarded railway track. 'When you're self-employed, like I am, it's actually really nice, because I haven't got anyone telling me if I'm doing well. It's just me, my own brain,' he said. 'So it's really nice to do an event like this and say: 'Oh, I kind of know what I'm doing'. It kind of reaffirms that.' Designer Alan Rudden, who created The Pot Gallery Garden, won the overall small garden category award – his ninth gold medal in 10 years of attending the festival. The Rainbow Brick Balcony Garden, designed by Gary Kirwan as a tribute to Lego, and the How To Train Your Dragon Garden, designed by Tunde Perry and Barry Kavanagh, were especially popular among the visitors. Benny Magennis, from Co Monaghan, designed The Early Bird Catches the Worm garden, sponsored by the Marie Keating Foundation, and won a silver-gilt award. 'Bloom is a great day out. It's very inspiring for people. They're asking for advice all the time. That's all part of it,' Mr Magennis said.
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
8 things to see and do at Bloom 2025
A staple of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, Bord Bia Bloom is an annual extravaganza of food, fashion, flowers and craft. Now celebrating its 19th year, Ireland's premier garden festival takes place across 70 beautiful acres of Dublin's Phoenix Park from Thursday, 29 May - Monday, 2 June. This spectacular gardening festival is a great event for garden designers, flower lovers, landscapers, garden furniture admirers, food fanatics and anyone who loves to spend time in nature. This year's festival will feature 21 Show Gardens, 30 live cookery demos, 40 live talks,and more than 100 of Ireland's top food and drink producers. To get you started, we've highlighted eight of our must-see spots for 2025: 1. Visit the Super Garden winner Visit the winning garden design from this year's Super Garden! Last night, Laois woman Debbie Brophy was crowned the winner of Super Garden 2025 thanks to her 'bee happy' wildlife garden, which was inspired by a honeybee colony that moved into her own garden. Thanks to her win, Debbie will have her design exhibited at Bord Bia Bloom, and she is buzzing for it. Speaking on her win, she said: "It's an immense feeling; there will be a hundred thousand people coming to see our garden and it means the world". 2. Make your garden eco-friendly The Most Sorted Garden, sponsored by Repak, is a living, breathing showcase of the circular economy in action. Designed by award-winning garden designer James Purdy, the space will help visitors understand how to recycle better at home. Across the five days, there will be a range of engaging and educational experiences including panel discussions, cooking demos and child-friendly workshops. Highlights include a panel discussion hosted by sustainability advocate Jo Linehan, as well as a waste-cutting cooking workshop from Donal Skehan. For even more tips, make a beeline for the Conservation Area where you can chat with leading conservationists and environmentalists. Here you will also find the inspirational Sustainable Living Stage, which will host a packed programme of talks on a wide range of topics, from the circular economy and renewable energy to gardening with fewer chemicals and sustainable fashion advice. 3. Taste the best of Irish food and drink The Food Hall within the Food Village features more than 100 of Ireland's artisan producers. From chocolates to cheese and oysters to teas, there is plenty to tantalise your tastebuds. While you're there, you can pop over to Bloom Inn, where some of the country's best craft brewers and distillers are gathered. For more delicious dining options, head to The Seafood Terrace, Country Crest Restaurant, or choose from more than 60 food trucks who are serving a wide variety of cuisines in the Picnic Area, Food Village, and Bloom's dedicated grill zone, BBQ Bliss, sponsored by Ninja Woodfire. If you want something extra special, there is 'A Taste of Bloom', curated by Neven Maguire, which features a three-course menu designed by the MacNean House chef-proprietor to showcase some of the very best ingredients from quality Irish producers. The special package is available on Ticketmaster, priced at €79 per person, which includes entry to the festival and a three-course lunch. 4. Watch your favourite chefs and culinary stars in action Donal Skehan, Neven Maguire, Aishling Moore and Catherine Fulvio are among a collection of culinary stars taking to the Dunnes Stores Quality Kitchen Stage this year. With 30 live demos planned for the weekend, this is a must-see for anyone who loves to cook. Seafood fans should also check out Bloom's new Seafood Kitchen, where chef Trisha Lewis is hosting three demos each day. 5. Catch more gardening, floral art and craft demos and workshops With 300 talks, demos, performances and workshops taking place across the Bloom weekend, there is ample opportunity to grow, taste and learn at this year's festival. You can learn how to care for houseplants or make a floral crown in the new Botanical Hub Demo Space; discover some fascinating facts and enjoy the simulators at the Horticulture is Life area; find out how to grow abundant kitchen gardens in the Eat Well Garden; enjoy farming demos at the Agri Aware Farm; and see some of Ireland's master craftspeople demonstrate their skills in the Design & Craft Council Ireland (DCCI) Irish Craft Village. You can see the full event schedule here. 6. Visit the RTÉ stage There is no shortage of musical entertainment planned for the Bloom weekend. Head to the Entertainment Stage to watch an eclectic collection of artists perform and make sure to stop by RTÉ's outdoor broadcast area to see your favourite presenters broadcast live, including Louise Duffy, Derek Mooney, Philip Boucher-Hayes, Marty Whelan, Simon Delaney and more. You can see RTÉ's full programme here. 7. Invest in some top-tier plants Whether you're a budding gardener or a veteran plant parent, visit the Nursery Village and The Plant Emporium for some retail therapy. If you buy too many to carry, fear not. You can store them in the Plant Crèche, sponsored by Certa Renewables, until it's time to go home. If plants aren't your thing, head to the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Irish Craft Village. Here, you'll find a selection of Ireland's most talented craftspeople showcasing their wares in a charming village of 38 tents. There will also be workshops, demonstrations, and drop-in craft activities for all the family. 8. Have fun with your Budding Bloomers The Budding Bloomers Children's Area is perfect for little ones. There will be face painting, crafting, and a rip-roaring lineup of performances from some of Ireland's favourite children's entertainers. Elsewhere in the festival, children can visit the Phoenix Park Playground, the Agri Aware Farm. and get their hands dirty in the Westland Horticulture Potting Shed. Remember, two children aged 16 and under can enter for free with every adult ticket. Getting there If you plan on attending, be sure to visit the Plan Your Day section of the Bloom website to get the most out of your trip. Visitors are encouraged to take public transport to the festival when possible. A regular, free shuttle bus is available to take visitors from Parkgate Street, next to the Luas Red Line and Heuston Station, to the festival's entrance on Chesterfield Avenue.
RTÉ News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
The winner of Super Garden 2025 has been crowned
Laois woman Debbie Brophy has been crowned the winner of Super Garden 2025 thanks to her 'bee happy' wildlife garden. Watch the episode back on RTÉ Player now. The garden design challenge, now in its 16th series, has once again showcased the extraordinary talents of aspiring designers from across the country. Five designers paired up with homeowners in a new housing development based in Baker Hall in Navan, Co Meath. Each was challenged to create a fitting home for their clients within three weeks, and with a budget of €15,000. In the end, Debbie stole the show with her wildlife garden, which was inspired by a honeybee colony that moved into her own garden last year. Based in Kildare, but originally from Laois, Debbie grew up with green fingers thanks to her parents, both of whom were keen gardeners. Having studied Fine Art Painting at Limerick School of Art, Debbie always had a creative flair, but says she never channelled her "full potential" as an artist. In recent years, she has worked full-time in a fabric shop where she realised that she missed creating her own designs. Aged 41, she decided to return to school and completed her postgraduate diploma with the Garden Design Academy, all while raising her young daughter, Poppy. At present, she is doing a bit of garden maintenance and is selling hanging baskets, a business born out of the pandemic when she started to sell indoor plants online. On Super Garden, Debbie was challenged to create a 'nature-friendly garden' for young family Anju, Jaison and three-year-old Steve. Creating a low-maintenance space suitable for the family, she created hexagonal flower beds that she filled to the brim with pollinating plants to attract bees and butterflies. Paving at the front of the garden gives the family a space to entertain, while the back features an all-weather pergola where they can enjoy the sounds of a beautiful water feature. Super Garden judge Brian Burke, representing Woodie's, said: "People often ask me what makes a winning design in Super Garden. The answer is that it is a combination of things: originality, flow, dynamism, interesting plant combinations, strong built elements, an eye on sustainability, and a full and faithful response to the homeowner's requirements. This year Debbie provided all of those things, and more." The final episode of Super Garden aired this evening (Tuesday, 27 May) on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, with the Laois native announced as the winner. She will now have her garden exhibited at Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland's premier garden festival this June bank holiday weekend. Speaking on her win, Debbie said: "It's an immense feeling; there will be a hundred thousand people coming to see our garden and it means the world".
