Garden Design Academy of Ireland Blog

Graduate Spotlight - Mike Shelley

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0100

For many people, the key to a happy life is to find balance. It seems simple enough, but when faced with counterbalancing a high-stakes, fast-paced, high-octane livelihood, it is not easy to find something equally weighty.

10 Garden Design Tips for Spring 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

After a uncommonly wet January and February across the UK and Ireland, many gardens are entering spring 2026 saturated, compacted and in need of thoughtful intervention. While heavy winter rainfall can feel like a setback, it also offers opportunity: water tables are replenished, reservoirs are healthier, and planting conditions — once soils begin to warm — can be excellent.

Garden Design as a Career Change in Ireland: What You Need to Know in 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Garden design as a career change in Ireland is grounded in a growing and resilient outdoor living and landscaping market. According to Bord Bia’s Value of the Garden Market research, the Irish gardening and amenity market has grown significantly since 2018, with total consumer spend up by around 21% over that period and notable increases in landscaping services and outdoor plant purchases.

Sustainable Trends Shaping UK & Ireland Gardens

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sustainable garden design in the UK and Ireland is shifting from “add a few wildlife-friendly plants” to a whole-system approach: build soil, manage water naturally, design for biodiversity, and choose materials that reduce carbon and maintenance. Below are the most important trends we’re seeing right now—plus practical ways to apply them in real gardens.

A Reflection on Our Garden Design Courses

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

At the Garden Design Academy of Ireland, we are genuinely proud of the high academic and creative standards we set for ourselves and for our students. Many of our graduates have gone on to design beautiful, functional outdoor spaces across private gardens, community projects and public landscapes.

How Native Plants Enhance Your Garden Ecosystem

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In garden design, native plants are gaining more and more attention for their ability to enhance the overall health and biodiversity of garden ecosystems. Unlike non-native species, native plants will thrive in specific regions and climates, making them well-suited to their native environment. Let's explore how incorporating native plants can take your garden ecosystem to beautiful new heights.

Edible Landscaping in Modern Garden Design

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Edible plants are not a new thing but in the world of garden design, edible landscaping is becoming a most popular trend, blending the aesthetic appeal of traditional landscapes with the functionality of edible plants. Gone are the days when gardens were solely ornamental; today, more and more gardeners are embracing the idea of growing their food while enhancing the beauty of their outdoor spaces. Let's explore the principles and the possibilities of edible landscaping in modern garden design.

Trending Plants for Pollinator-Friendly Garden Design

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Generating ecosystems that support pollinators is much more than a mere trend; it is a crucial necessity in garden design. As we recognise pollinators' pivotal role in our environment, gardeners are increasingly seeking out plants that provide essential resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. And as an added bonus, these plants also enhance the beauty of the garden. Here's a curated list of trending plants that are perfect for creating a pollinator-friendly garden design.

Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Garden

Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

There are so many paving options, it can be difficult to know where to start, but rather than feel overwhelmed, why not embrace the luxury of choice. The trick is to make sure you choose the right pavers for you and your needs. Let’s take a look at the areas that need consideration and how to approach it. From materials and styles to durability and maintenance, we will unpack the best tips and tricks for your space.

The art of colour theory in Garden Design

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Designing a beautiful garden is no different to creating a piece of art. The strategic use of colour not only elevates the visual appeal of your garden but also influences its mood and atmosphere. This guide will explore the essential principles of using colour in the garden, focusing on complementary and contrasting palettes as well as colour schemes to help you craft a space that is both beautiful and emotionally resonant.

A Guide to Eco-Friendly Gardening

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change is making its presence felt in increasingly widespread and dramatic ways. The need, and indeed the desire, to establish an eco-friendly lifestyle is also evident as people seek to reduce their carbon footprint and introduce more sustainable ways to protect the environment. While gardening may seem like nothing more than a pleasant hobby, it is also an effective strategy in the quest for sustainable living. Sustainable gardening practices not only contribute to a healthier planet but also enhance our well-being and connect us more deeply with the natural world.

Nature's Caretaker: Your Career in Garden Design

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nature is as generous as it is fascinating and everything a person needs to enjoy great beauty, growth and health is already out there in the wild. The forests, meadows and mountains already possess an organic design of their own but as people continue to build and multiply, it becomes more difficult to spend time in these both calming and uplifting spaces. It is for this reason that garden design has emerged as something people are drawn to. While it often feels like we have strayed far from outdoor life, people remain connected to nature and often feel a need to just sit with some flora and fauna to remind themselves of our organic presence. Ironically, a garden is an escape from the pace of city life but it is also where many feel more at home.

12 Signs You Were Born To Be a Garden Designer

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There are those who love to get down and dirty in the muck, planting, weeding and pruning. And there are those who love to create an aesthetic where they can enjoy the visual pleasures of a beautiful space. And then there are those who are a little bit of both. If this sounds familiar to you, then perhaps you are a true born garden designer. Garden design is a harmonious marriage of the peaceful nurturing qualities of horticulture with the creative artistic flair of a designer. If you are still unsure, read on and see how many of these 12 signs speak to you and your green fingers.

Cultivate Your Passion with Our Range of Study Modes at the Garden Design Academy of Ireland

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

At the Garden Design Academy of Ireland, we understand that taking the leap into learning is not always an easy step. Most people have busy lives with roles and responsibilities that make it difficult to make room for studying. This is where we come in. After 20 years of curating, honing and listening to our students, we have come up with three study modes that cater for the needs of almost any conceivable lifestyle. Our academy offers home study, classroom-based, and live online classes, each designed to nurture budding garden designers at every stage of their journey.

What materials do I need when starting my course?

Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this blog post is to help you understand what materials you need to start your course. When looking at the list, keep in mind that most of these items are one-off investments.

20 Years Innovating in Education

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Meet the Further Learning Group (FLG), the mothership for the Garden Design Academy of Ireland, and a leading provider of industry recognised awards in Interior Design, Fashion Design, Garden Design, Photography, Digital Marketing and Graphic Design.

Embracing Nature: Garden Trends for 2024

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

As we approach 2024, many of us will begin to look inward. Personal wellbeing is high on many people's agenda but you don’t actually need to look far to find places that encourage positive mental health.Garden work has been proven to improve mental wellbeing and much of this can be found in embracing a life lived in harmony with the natural world around us. Garden design will always involve symbiosis between man and nature but this can sometimes get a little lost in the allure of aesthetics. The trends of the coming year will focus on making more sustainable and environmentally responsible design choices which in turn, can herald a sense of achievement and of making a positive contribution to the planet.

Transform Your Garden into a Winter Wonderland: Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

People take great pride in their gardens and outdoor spaces and there is no better time to give it some extra love than the holiday season. Regardless of your level of gardening skills or indeed enthusiasm for the festive season, Christmas decorations for the outdoors can add a sprinkle of magic to your garden space. If you need some ideas or guidance or perhaps a little additional motivation, then read on. Our Garden Design Academy is happy to lead the way to adding a festive sparkle to your garden.

Winter Garden Design Tips

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

While people begin to batten down the hatches and retreat to the warmth of the indoors, the garden can often be mistaken for an unusable space. But a little imagination and an appreciation for the incredible durability of nature, can in fact inject a new life into your winter garden. It can be a welcoming space that doesn't rely on the floral bounty of the Spring & Summer. Read on and learn how your garden can embrace the white wonder of winter.

How to Plan Your Garden Layout: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or you are embarking on a brand new gardening endeavour, starting out can be a little overwhelming. But before you throw away the key, take a moment to remember that all great roads began with one small pebble. All it takes is a little preparation. A well designed outdoor space can elevate a dreary unused garden into a floral delight; and it creates additional space for you and your family. Here are some starting points and tips to help you on the path to the best approach for you and your needs.

Designing a Garden for Relaxation and Meditation

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

For those of us lucky enough to have enough garden space with the potential to become a place to escape and to relax, it is enormously gratifying to make that effort and create a little sanctuary to escape to. Life moves at a fast and loud pace and many people struggle with mental health and wellbeing. An outdoor space designed for meditation and calm may be the very thing to instil some much needed balance into everyday life. In this blog post, we will explore a few ideas to help create a tranquil and mindful garden space using natural elements, calming features, and a well-thought out design.

Designing for Privacy: How to Create a Secluded Garden

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Whether you need an escape from the chaos of city streets or you are simply looking for some breathing space to call your own, your garden can be that safe haven of peace and serenity. Time alone in the fresh air and sitting among nature is a tried and tested treatment for anxiety and stress. It is important to feel there is a safe space to call your own and when that can be created in a beautiful natural and tranquil setting, that’s a win win! With a little planning and some careful consideration, a little slice of natural heaven can be yours - in your own backyard. In this article, we will look at the art of constructing a quiet garden, including practical advice and imaginative ideas to help you turn your outdoor space into a private retreat.

Creating Functional and Comfortable Outdoor Living Spaces

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Outdoor living spaces are more than just the space around your home, they can also be an additional living space offering more room to breathe and endless options for design. A functional and comfortable area is the ideal space for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment. In this blog post, we will explore design ideas for patios, decks, and pergolas, including detailed information, design tips, and examples to help you transform your outdoor space into an inviting oasis of comfort and style.

Garden Styles: Discovering the Beauty and Charm of Various Garden Designs Part II

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this concluding part of The Beauty and Charm of Different Garden Design Styles, we will cover Theme Based garden styles and Sustainable and Eco friendly gardens. While browsing garden design styles is fun and interesting, there is also some guidance needed before a designer settles on a choice. So, with that in mind, there are also some tips on the basics of implementing these gardens.

Garden Styles: Discovering the Beauty and Charm of Various Garden Designs Part I

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

There is a garden style to fit every taste and every style, ranging from traditional and contemporary designs to regional and theme-based concepts. This part I will delve into different garden types revealing their distinguishing traits, design aspects, and how best to implement them in your space. Prepare to be inspired and discover the ideal garden style for your outdoor retreat!

Experience the Power of Live Online Classes

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Are you ready to take your education to the next level? The Garden Design Academy of Ireland is excited to provide live online classes; bringing our expertise directly to your fingertips. With our cutting-edge virtual learning platform you can benefit from interactive and flexible education from the comfort of your own home. Let's take a look at the revolutionary world of live online classrooms and see how it’s changing how we learn.

Garden Designer vs. Gardener

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Garden design is a skillful blend of art and science that involves both design flair and practical gardening expertise. It is in this process that two professions frequently come together and while they both strive for a flourishing garden, their roles, expertise, and responsibilities are separate. It is vital to have an understanding of these distinctions when deciding who to hire for your gardening endeavour. Let’s have a look at the fundamental differences between a landscape designer and a gardener in this blog.

Study options: Live Online Classes vs. Home Study

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

At the Garden Design Academy of Ireland, we offer accredited courses with different study options: Classroom-based, Live Online Classes and Home Study.

Student Spotlight: Darragh Collopy

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

One year into his Postgraduate Diploma course and Darragh is already sporting a bronze medal. Darragh Collopy is a man who sees things differently, you might say he has a virtual perspective on the natural world.

Garden Design as an Art Form

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

A garden can be a sacred space where beauty and serenity can sit side by side in a natural oasis. A carefully curated garden that balances aesthetics and functionality can be both a work of art and an ecological co-op. The key is to understand and apply fundamental garden design principles and techniques. Let's investigate the art of creating a captivating garden, from balance to unity, colour to texture.

Sustainable Gardening: How to Create an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Sustainable gardening is not a new concept but as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of sustainable gardening has become a key subject in horticulture circles. This type of gardening is about working in harmony with nature to create a beautiful outdoor space that can thrive organically thus minimizing its environmental impact.

Creating an Outdoor Living Space: Designing a Garden for Entertaining

Thu, 18 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

As homeowners begin to appreciate the additional social space a garden can provide, gardens and outdoor spaces have never been more popular. With good planning, you too can expand your living space by adding another area to use for both social and personal enjoyment. And as a bonus, it may even add value to your property. In this blog we will examine what it takes to give your outdoor space a glow-up with advice and insights on how to make it both beautiful and functional. Everyone loves a garden party.

Designing for different soil types: How to choose plants that will thrive in your garden

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Soil types can have a big impact on plant growth and health. Understanding your garden’s soil and selecting plants that are suited to its needs can be the making or breaking of a garden's plant life. We will explore common soil types, how to test and analyse your soil, how to choose the right plants for your garden and share tips for improving soil conditions to ensure a thriving, beautiful garden in this comprehensive guide.

The Dos and Don'ts of Garden Design: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Garden design is both an art and a science, and creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space can be a challenging task. While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to garden design, there are certain dos and don'ts that can help you create a stunning and inviting outdoor space. In this article, we'll explore some common mistakes to avoid when designing your garden.

Creating Your Own Outdoor Paradise: The 10 Essential Principles of Garden Design

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Garden design is the art and science of creating both beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. Whether you have a small backyard or a sweeping estate, there are certain principles of garden design that you should keep in mind when designing an outdoor space. In this article, we'll explore the 10 essential principles of garden design and how you can use them to create your own garden paradise.

How to light a garden to highlight features and create different moods

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

When used properly, garden lighting can highlight specific features of a garden and create different moods. As a garden design academy, we understand how lighting can enhance the aesthetic of a garden, generate an ambience, and function as a safety feature. In this article, we will discuss how to achieve all of these things with different types of garden lighting.

Designing for different tastes: How to create a customized garden

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Gardening is not just about planting flowers, trees and shrubs. It is both science and an art form that requires careful planning, consideration of the environment, and an understanding of the homeowner's preferences. As a garden design academy, we understand the importance of creating a customized garden. In this article, we will discuss how to design a garden that aligns with the homeowner's tastes and the steps that need to be taken to create a beautiful and functional space.

Plants that Bloom in Late Winter or Early Spring

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Late winter and early spring may not be the first seasons that come to mind when you think about gardening, but these cooler months can actually be the perfect time to start planning and preparing for the growing season ahead. They not only provide the opportunity to get a head start on your gardening chores, but they also offer the chance to enjoy a burst of colour and life in an otherwise potentially dormant garden.

Maintain Your Winter Garden and Prepare for Spring

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Winter can be a challenging time for gardens with cold temperatures, shorter days, and harsh weather conditions taking their toll on plants. However, with a little effort and some careful planning, you can keep your garden looking beautiful and healthy even during the colder months. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your garden during the winter season:

5 Garden Design Tips to Transform Your Small Space

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

During the Covid 19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, people took to their gardens to socialise and for fresh air. During that time, gardeners spent a whopping 42% more time gardening while numerous others picked up a trowel for the first time. Although interested in gardening and eager to spend more time outdoors, downsizers and first timers found themselves with very small outdoor spaces to contend with. But there is no need for small spaces to limit the imagination or hamper creativity. There is a lot you can do with a small garden! Here are some garden design tips to help transform your small space!

How to Grow Vegetables Indoors

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

If you think you need the great outdoors to bring your garden to life, think again! Don’t let limited garden space or a challenging climate scare you away from growing your own vegetable garden. Today's vegetable growers are getting creative and learning to generate bountiful harvests, even inside their own homes. Growing vegetables indoors isn't rocket science but there are a few things you should know if you want to produce your own deliciously-ripe home-grown veggies.

Garden Design trends for 2023

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Though the season’s cold weather may suggest otherwise, Spring is right around the corner and a vital element of the change of the seasons involves getting outside and gardening. If you’re thinking about how you’re going to design your garden space this year and need some inspiration, take a look at the trends you’ll see in 2023 below.

The humble tree

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Strolling around certain neighborhoods in the build up to Christmas has become a spectator’s sport. There are homes that claim that their lights can be seen from space, and sometimes this is hard to deny. Seasonal garden decorations generally consist of trees and shrubs adorned with lights, but some homes go as far as adding life sized reindeer and sleigh with Santa climbing into the chimney.

Philip Doyle: Plant a seed and it will grow

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In 1988 Philp’s father left this earth so Philip, his brother and his Mum joined forces and took on the role of running the family pub. It was there that his future in horticulture would unexpectedly blossom. As proud business owners, they would adorn the façade of the pub with hanging baskets and window boxes.

Don't go in the house

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Gardens have always been an important part of a home. People with little or no interest in botany or horticulture will still value their garden as an outdoor haven or at worst, an additional piece of real-estate on a property.

Garden Design: Movement & Flow

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Flow in the garden is the sense and feel that the garden gives to you as you enter the outdoor space. Gardens can appeal to us on many levels. One important but often neglected aspect is flow - the way our eyes and bodies move through the space. Without a sense of movement, gardens can seem flat and uninteresting, even if populated with the richest of plantings.

Daniel Robinson: from finance to Garden Design

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Plant a seed and watch it grow

Meet the Tutor: Renata Ferreira

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Garden Design Academy tutor Renata Ferreira talks gratification and resilience, and how the teacher can also be the student.

Principles of Plant Selection: Light

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Before choosing the right plants, it is vital to consider the needs of the plant, the garden designer's needs, and if the garden can provide the necessary requirements.

Garden styles and themes

Fri, 13 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The themes and styles of gardens are as diverse as the plants and flowers that grow in them. From lush English-style gardens to minimalist Japanese gardens; there are aesthetics to suit your style and particular growing climate.

Water irrigation systems for Garden Maintenance

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Regardless of what country or region you live in, watering is a crucial element of garden maintenance. Water is essential for plant processes and needs to be monitored closely. In this article, we will go through the methods you could use to water your garden.

Helping Your Raised Bed Garden Grow and Thrive

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

If you are looking for a new hobby, gardening may be the ticket! This great pastime allows you to grow plants from scratch while you breathe in fresh outdoor air and even get some exercise in the process.

Garden Path Ideas

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

For many people, gardens are a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A well-designed garden can be an oasis, a place where cares and worries are forgotten. Walking through a garden is an exploration, with surprises around the bend and opportunities to view unique plants and the creatures and critters that follow. In Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous book, The Secret Garden, the estate’s garden path led to an enchanting space full of hopes, dreams, and wonder.

2022 Garden Design trends

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

From exterior designs to interior decorations, the world of gardens and horticulture is witnessing various trends popping up day after day. Apart from being catchy to the eye, these trends impact both the world and culture.

Winter gardening essentials

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Cooler temperatures and longer nights mean that winter is on the way. Days can often be misty and damp, and the possibility of air frosts begins to loom. For gardeners, this is one of the busiest seasons in the garden.

Sustainable Gardening

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0100

The impact of climate change, an awareness of the finite nature of most raw materials, the problems of waste disposal, and the resultant effect on nature and the environment have led to a growth in sustainable gardening.

Garden Design principles: balance and proportion

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

The garden design principles are the fundamental laws that garden designers keep in mind during any design project undertaken. With garden design being both an art and a science, there is room for flexibility in these rules to make a strong statement. However, being guided by these basic principles of garden design will aid the design process.

Preparing your garden for Summer

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Summer is a beautiful time in the garden. Flowers are in full bloom, busy insects are everywhere, and gentle drifts of fragrance are in the breeze. Yet, there is still work to be done.

Designing an Upcycled Therapy Landscape

Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Luca M Damiani is an artist and lecturer in Graphic and Media Design at the University of the Arts London. Focusing on artistic research in neuroscience, neurodiversity and mental health, Luca's ongoing practice is based on the observations of his own sensory disability and neurological disorders.

Organic pest control techniques: does it work?

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Top Garden Design Trends for 2021

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Image credit: Markus Spiske, via Unsplash

How to build an urban vegetable garden at home

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A selection of seeds or small plants that you know will grow in your specific zone

Garden Design inspiration: outdoor space and patio design ideas

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Essential elements of a Japanese Garden

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Bridges

How to choose a colour scheme for your garden

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this Georgia garden, bluehydrangea macrophylla set a stunning path. Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson.

Lighting Tips for your Garden

Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Creating a Focal Point

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

The Benefits of Online Learning

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When we make the decision to find and study an online course, the workload can be troubling. People who haven’t studied online courses before may be baffled by how to complete their tasks and stay on-target. Though it may seem unusual to you, many students thrive when they can study in their own time and complete work from anywhere.

4 Tips to Improve Your Drawings

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Visual communication is a key aspect of garden design - it helps you convey your design concepts and ideas. But you don’t have to be proficient at drawing, or have any experience of drawing at all when you are starting out in garden design. What you do need is the desire to learn and develop your drawing skills, and to consistently push yourself to get better.

Mark Soanes: Designing an Urban Paradise

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

We caught up with one of our garden design graduates, Mark Soanes, to find out about his passion for garden design, what it's like to work on real-life garden design projects and what it means to graduate.

Alexandra Hollingsworth: Glasnevin to Grenada

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

From her success on RTE Super Garden to her Silver Medal at Bloom, Garden Design Academy of Ireland graduate Alexandra Hollingsworth has turned her passion into a profession and now runs her own successful garden design business. We interviewed Alexandra in her show garden, 'Glasnevin to Granada' to find out more about her experience with the academy.

Success Blossoms for Garden Design Graduate

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

We recently caught up with Garden Design Academy of Ireland graduate, Fionnuala Carroll, to find out more about her success since completing the Postgraduate Diploma course.

Cornelia Raftery strikes gold at Bloom

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Congratulations to Garden Design Academy of Ireland tutor, Cornelia Raftery, who won a Gold Medal at Bloom 2018 for her "No Limits – GOAL's Garden for Women" garden.

Catriona Hassett creates a Super Garden

Tue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Our Garden Design graduate, Catriona Hassett, is participating in RTE’s Super Garden where five would-be gardeners are challenged with transforming ordinary gardens into show gardens. We caught up with Caitriona to find out more about her interest in garden design and her experience of participating in Super Garden.

Using steel in your garden designs

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Since the birth of the steel industry during the Industrial Revolution, steel has become a common feature in landscape and garden design. Durable and versatile, its unique appearance is appreciated by designers all over the world. Two of the most widely used types of steel in landscape design are stainless steel and weathering steel. In this blog, I will highlight some of the applications of steel in contemporary design and show you how you can use steel to add character to your garden.

How to create sustainable gardens using water management

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

With the world climate changing and more extreme weather patterns on the increase, the need for environmentally sensitive design has become greater. In garden design, one area that we can focus on is water management. In this blog we will explore ways to conserve water, prevent flooding and use water as an attractive feature in your designs.

Design a garden with rhythm and interest

Thu, 05 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In my experience, the most interesting gardens have elements of movement, exploration and unity woven throughout their design. In this blog, I will give you some tips on how to incorporate these elements to make your garden more dynamic and attractive.

Getting started in your garden design career: Making the pitch and closing the deal

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0100

This is the second part in a blog series designed to help you in your new and exciting garden design career. These blogs are based on my 20 years’ experience designing and implementing garden designs and there are a number of hints and tips I have gained along the way which can hopefully be of great use to you.

Getting started in your garden design career

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Some of you will be studying with the Academy simply to use the skills and knowledge you will learn to improve your own gardens. However, many of you are dreaming of a blossoming career in garden design. Our courses will certainly help you to make the very best of your own space but if your dream is to get started in the industry, we will also show you how to achieve this.

Building a food forest at home

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

How to maximise space when designing small gardens

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The most basic element of garden design consists of planning the garden layout. In this blog, I’ll discuss two principles of planning – proportion and scale – so that you can maximise the space in your garden, no matter how small it may be.

Bloom 2017 - Ireland's largest garden festival

Thu, 25 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Bloom is Ireland’s largest garden festival, showcasing garden plants, garden design, construction and horticulture. Launched in 2007, Bloom follows the successful formats of garden shows such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the RHS Hampton Court Palace Show. This year’s Bloom runs from Jun 1-5, 2017 in Phoenix Park, Dublin, with the aim of inspiring and exciting the public about gardening and garden design. With this year’s show almost upon us, Cornelia Raftery takes a look back at Bloom 2016.

Chelsea Flower Show

Thu, 11 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show runs from May 23-27, 2017 in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious flower and landscape garden shows in the world, dating back to 1912 in these grounds. This year’s show promises to be a spectacular event full of colour and exotic garden designs. In anticipation of Chelsea Flower Show 2017, Cornelia Raftery looks back at her highlights from the 2016 show.

Visiting Powerscourt Estate, Ireland – One of the World’s Top Gardens

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Powerscourt Estate in Ireland is 30 minutes south of Dublin. It came third in a list of the World’s Top Gardens by National Geographic, so I was very interested to see how nice it was. Within the estate, there are 47 acres of gardens set in open countryside with spectacular views of the Sugarloaf Mountain.

Finding Design Inspiration in the Moorish Nasrid Garden, Andalucia, Spain

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

On a recent holiday to Andalucia, Spain, I was hoping to visit the famous gardens of the Alhambra palace and fortress. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control it was not to happen. I was feeling a little disappointed when a friend mentioned that the village I was staying in, Velez de Benaudalla, had a rather lovely Moorish garden called Nasrid Garden which was well worth visiting.

Essential Garden Tools (Part 3)

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Read part three of our guide to the essential garden tools you will need to implement a garden design project. This article introduces the garden rake and the garden trowel.

Essential Garden Tools (Part 2)

Fri, 09 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Read part two of our guide to the essential garden tools you will need to implement a garden design project. This article introduces the garden hoe and the wheelbarrow.

Essential Garden Tools (Part 1)

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Read part one of our guide to the essential garden tools you will need to implement a garden design project. This article introduces the garden fork and the spade.