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Peter Dowdall’s Gardening Blog
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
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...
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...
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.
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...
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 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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Life moves quickly, but your garden doesn’t have to. In this post, Peter Dowdall explores how the garden can offer peace, perspective and personal sanctuary. Discover seasonal tasks like pruning...
A Day Out for Plant Lovers: The Fota House Plant Fair is Back There are few things that get gardeners as excited as the return of a proper plant fair...
We all dream of recreating those sun-soaked Mediterranean balconies filled with Bougainvillea and fragrant blooms — but Ireland’s climate tells a different story. In this post, Peter Dowdall explores why...
If your lawn is looking patchy or mossy, thatch could be the issue. We’ve put together a quick guide on what thatch is, how to remove it, and how regular...
