What Can I Still Plant in October?
October might feel like the time to pack away your trowel, but it’s actually one of the best months to plant in Ireland. The soil is still warm, rainfall is...
Peter Dowdall’s Gardening Blog
Peter's Notes from the Garden
Welcome to Peter’s Notes from the Garden, the official blog
of Peter Dowdall, The Irish Gardener.
Here you’ll find seasonal gardening tips, planting advice,
and design inspiration for Irish gardens and beyond.
From shrubs and trees for structure to perennials for colour
and wildlife-friendly planting ideas, this is your go-to space for practical,
no-nonsense gardening advice all year round.
Featured post
The Irish Gardener: More Than a Name, A Community
The Irish Gardener began as a nickname, today it’s a community. Discover how it grew during Covid into a collective identity for everyone who gardens in Ireland.
Peter’s Notes from the Garden.
Gardening With Nature, Autumn Colour and Biodiversity at Tantalus Nursery
Autumn doesn’t mean the end of colour or wildlife in your garden. Discover pollinator-friendly plants, expert advice, and seasonal inspiration from Cara at Tantalus Nursery, Kinsale.
Autumn Gardening Joy: Planting Alliums and Spring Bulbs for Stunning Displays
Autumn gardening is the perfect time to slow down and prepare for spring. Planting alliums (ornamental onions) and other spring bulbs in autumn ensures a spectacular garden display next year....
The Irish Gardener: More Than a Name, A Community
The Irish Gardener began as a nickname, today it’s a community. Discover how it grew during Covid into a collective identity for everyone who gardens in Ireland.
Your Autumn Planting Plan: Shrubs, Trees & Perennials for Structure
Autumn is the perfect time to rethink your garden and add lasting structure. From trees that anchor the design to shrubs and perennials that bring rhythm and seasonal interest, here’s...
When is the Right Time to Prune Hedges? A Guide for Irish Gardens
Wondering when to prune your hedge? Our Ireland-specific calendar shows the best times to cut beech, holly, laurel, conifers and more, while respecting the Wildlife Act and protecting nesting birds.
Brighten Your Border: Late Summer & Early Autumn Flowering Perennials - Echinacea, Achillea & Aster ‘Monch’
As summer begins to wane, many gardens can slip into a lull. Early blooms have faded, yet autumn’s fiery foliage is still weeks away. This is the moment when late...
Penstemons and Sedums - Late Summer Stars for the Autumn Garden
Sedums and Penstemons are two of the best plants for late summer and autumn gardens. From the reliable Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’ to the colourful Penstemon ‘Sour Grapes’, these perennials...
Ornamental Grasses in the Garden: Texture, Structure & Year-Round Interest
Ornamental grasses in the garden add texture, structure, and year-round beauty. From the softness of Stipa Ponytails to the bold stature of Stipa gigantea, and the colour contrasts of Chionochloa...
A Fresh New Look for Gairdín Garden Centre at Bandon Co-Op
Discover the new-look Gairdín Garden Centre at Bandon Co-Op. Irish-grown plants, expert staff, and Peter Dowdall at the launch on 6th September.
Sweet Peas, Summer Scents and Late Starts: A Gardener’s Honest Tale
Late sowing or not, Sweet Peas remain a must-have for any Irish summer garden. In this post, Peter Dowdall shares practical tips for growing scented Sweet Peas from seed, the...
3 Things to Notice in Your Garden Before You Plant a Thing
Before you buy a single plant, take time to really observe your garden. In this post, Peter shares three simple things to notice that will save you time, money, and...
Why the Mallow Home and Garden Festival is a Must-Visit for Garden Lovers in Ireland
Discover why the Mallow Home and Garden Festival is Ireland’s must-visit gardening event this May. Peter Dowdall shares what makes this show so special, from inspiring show gardens and rare...
Greening Cork City - How Urban Greening and Garden Design Can Transform Our Urban Spaces
Urban greening in Cork City isn’t just about beauty, it’s about biodiversity, sustainability, and better living. In this post, I explore how living walls, roof gardens, and thoughtful garden design...
Why Choisya Ternata Deserves a Place in Every Summer Garden
Summer is well and truly upon us. The early spring shoots have matured, and the garden is now alive with a riot of colour and life. Trees that stood bare...
How to Design a Low Maintenance Garden: Tips from a Professional Garden Designer
Discover how to design a low maintenance garden that looks stunning year-round with minimal effort. In this post, I share expert tips on plant choices, smart garden design, and easy-care...