Before you do anything in the garden… Ask Peter.
Garden Planning & Planting Design in Ireland. Get it right before you plant.
Trusted by thousands of Irish homeowners. Regular contributor to RTÉ and national garden media. Over 30 years guiding real Irish gardens.
Gardens move with the seasons. A wrong decision now can shape your garden for years.
Garden Planning & Planting Design in Ireland
Clear direction before committing to change.
You don’t need to redesign everything.
You need to understand what will actually work in your soil, your wind, your light.
If you're unsure whether to redesign, replant or rethink your space, the consultation is the place to begin.
If you're about to redesign, plant extensively, install paving or commit to contractors, start with a consultation and get the direction right first.
Choose the Right Starting Point
Online Garden Consultation
Best when you need professional direction before committing to change.
- Ideal for planning discussions, layouts, planting ideas and next steps
- Works anywhere in Ireland
- Fast, focused and practical
€295
In Person, On-Site Garden Consultation
Cork and Surrounding Areas Only
For gardens where walking the space together makes all the difference.
- I visit your garden in person
- Walk through the space together
- Identify priorities, problems and opportunities on the spot
- Determine the correct next steps
From €480
I only take a limited number of consultations each month so each garden gets proper attention.
What This Garden Consultation Will Help You Decide
A consultation isn’t about creating a full design. It’s about leaving with a clear sense of what to do next.
What a consultation helps you decide
• What’s worth changing and what isn’t
• Where your budget is best spent
• Whether you need a planting plan, full design, or neither
• The most sensible next step for your space
With over 30 years’ experience and thousands of consultations delivered.
These consultations help me to identify the most sensible way forward for you, whether that’s a full garden design, a planting plan, a plant list, or a project that can move ahead confidently without a formal plan at all.
The earlier you make the right decisions, the more you gain from the season ahead.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're unsure what level of help your garden needs, tell me a little about it.
I’ll review it personally and recommend the most sensible way forward.
Still unsure what to do next?
Before you do anything in the garden… Ask Peter
When you’re unsure about a plant, a hedge, timing or conditions, check it first. Practical gardening judgement based on Irish experience.
Ready for a Full Garden Design?
When your garden needs structure, layout and planting brought together as one coherent plan, a full design is the next step.
My work begins with structure, explained in detail in Planting Design & Garden Structure in Ireland.
Structured, considered garden design rooted in planting.
Create a stunning, tailored garden that enhances your home and lifestyle.
How I Can Help You Grow
Peter Dowdall. Ireland’s Gardening Voice
Helping people make better decisions about their gardens and green spaces.
“My work is about clear, practical guidance, helping people feel confident about the decisions they’re making in their garden.”
With over 30 years’ experience across design, broadcasting and horticulture, Peter helps homeowners and organisations make confident decisions about planting and green spaces.
Trusted by Leading Gardens, Centres & Media
FAQ
1️⃣ How does the Online Garden Consultation work?
Our Online Garden Consultation with Peter Dowdall provides expert advice tailored to your garden’s needs. Simply book a consultation, share details about your garden, and receive personalized recommendations on planting, design, and maintenance via video call or email.
2️⃣ How do I plant wildflower seeds for best results?
To create a beautiful wildflower meadow, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Choose a sunny area with well-drained soil.
2️⃣ Clear existing vegetation and rake the soil lightly.
3️⃣ Scatter seeds evenly and press them into the soil (don’t bury them).
4️⃣ Water gently and keep moist until germination.
5️⃣ Avoid chemical fertilizers – wildflowers thrive in nutrient-poor soil.
🌸 Shop Wildflower Seeds Now → Wildflower Seed Collection
4️⃣ How can I get gardening advice from Peter Dowdall?
Peter Dowdall shares gardening tips, tutorials, and product recommendations on:
📺 YouTube Channel: The Irish Gardener
📸 Instagram: @theirishgardener
🌱 Book a One-on-One Consultation
Follow us for expert advice and inspiration!
7️⃣ What is a Living Green Wall?
A Living GreenWall is a vertical garden where plants grow on a structure attached to a wall or freestanding frame. It enhances biodiversity, improves air quality, and provides insulation. Living walls are perfect for small gardens, urban spaces, and creating a lush, green feature in any setting. 🌿