Why Garden Festivals Matter More Than Ever
The launch of the inaugural Killarney Home and Garden Festival this June says quite a lot about how our relationship with gardens in Ireland is changing. There was a time...
Peter Dowdall’s Gardening Blog
Peter's Notes from the Garden: An Irish Gardening Blog
Welcome to Peter’s Notes from the Garden, the official gardening 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.
Looking for an answer to a specific problem? Browse my Garden Q&A. Thinking about a bigger change? See my garden and planting design service.
Featured post
When to Prune Red Robin and Apple Trees – October Gardening Q&A with Peter Dowdall
October is a great time to tidy without stressing plants. In this week’s Gardening Q&A we cover when to prune red robin and apple trees, why kale turns yellow, crabapple...
Want to change something in your own garden...
Tell Me About Your Garden
Every garden is different: the soil, the site, what you want from it. Tell me a little about yours and I'll suggest the most sensible next step.
Peter’s Notes from the Garden.
Gardening With Children: Growing More Than Just Plants
Gardening with children is about more than plants. Simple ideas to help kids grow food, learn patience, and connect with nature in Irish gardens.
Gardening Resolutions for the New Year - Growing Better Gardens, Gently
A thoughtful look at gardening resolutions for the new year, focusing on sustainability, wildlife, wellbeing, and enjoying the garden more fully.
Dogwoods and Winter Colour: Plants That Shine When the Garden Sleeps
Dogwoods are among the best plants for winter colour in Irish gardens, thriving in wet soils and delivering spectacular stem and foliage displays.
Winter “Pet Days”: Finding Beauty and Purpose in the Winter Garden
Winter has its own “pet days”. Here’s how to make the most of fine winter weather, with gentle garden jobs and seasonal observations for Irish gardens.
Horsetail (Marestail) The Weed That Refuses to Be Defeated
Horsetail (marestail) is one of the most feared weeds in Irish gardens. But should we really be trying to kill a plant that’s survived since the dinosaurs?
Planting Plans vs Garden Design: How to Choose What Your Garden Needs
A planting plan is, in essence, another word for a concept design. What a fully detailed design adds, and why most Irish gardens do not need one.
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...
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...