Keywords: Mediterranean plants in Ireland, Bougainvillea Ireland, best plants for Irish gardens, low-maintenance garden plants, native vs non-native plants, right plant right place

Every time I think back to sunny holidays in Portugal or Spain, my mind fills with images of balconies dripping in Bougainvillea, brilliant pink blooms tumbling over railings, soaking up the sunshine.

Add in the scent of Oleander, Heliotrope and Stock Roses, and it’s no wonder so many of us come home dreaming of recreating that Mediterranean magic in our Irish gardens.

But let’s be honest, much as we might wish for it, Ireland simply doesn’t offer the same growing conditions. Without those long, dry summers and high temperatures, plants like Bougainvillea just won’t thrive. They might survive, if you’re lucky, but it’ll be a struggle. What you’re more likely to see is a sad tangle of green shoots that never get going.

Unless you’ve got the luxury of a sunroom or conservatory, it’s best to admire these plants where they naturally belong. And in a world where we can buy strawberries in December (even if they taste of nothing), it’s strangely reassuring to know that nature still has its boundaries.

🌱 The Right Plant in the Right Place

It’s a principle I live by and one I always encourage: put the right plant in the right place.

If you choose a plant that needs dry soil and full sun, but then place it in a spot exposed to wind and damp, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment — and creating a high-maintenance headache in the process.

So rather than trying to recreate a sun-soaked balcony from the Algarve, why not embrace what works beautifully here? Our climate may be damp, but it’s also rich with possibility. And when you choose the right plants for your conditions, you’ll be rewarded with colour, texture and interest all year round ,without the battle.

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🌼 Native vs. Non-Native: A Balanced Approach

There’s been plenty of talk lately about native planting, and rightly so. Native plants support our local ecosystems, feeding birds, insects and other wildlife that have evolved alongside them.

But does that mean your garden should be exclusively native. Imagine a world where we only grew what’s been here for millennia, would we lose so much beauty and diversity or would the ountry be even more beautiful and diverse? 

Many pollinators and foragers will happily use a broad range of non-native plants too, but does that make it right? The discussion continues.

What I aim for is diversity choosing plants that thrive in Irish conditions, look good across the seasons, and support wildlife along the way. Think long flowering periods, rich foliage, winter berries, and strong structure.

Browse our range of Native Irish WIldflower Seeds here

🏡 Designing for Where You Live

If you’ve found yourself longing to turn your garden into a Mediterranean hideaway, I completely understand. I’ve done the same myself. But I’ve learned that success and satisfaction comes from working with the landscape, not against it.

Let’s design gardens that suit our Irish weather. Gardens that need less work, not more. Gardens filled with beauty, colour, and life even when the skies are grey.

And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. I’ve created a range of services and plant collections to help you choose exactly what suits your garden and lifestyle best — whether it’s a full planting scheme or just a bit of advice.

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