Got a gardening question?
Ask Peter at Toss Bryan...
Ask Peter shares Peter Dowdall’s experience and approach to gardening, here to help you think things through while you’re in the garden centre.
Use it to get help and advice, then speak with staff when you’re ready.
Available Free To Use here, at Toss Bryan Garden Centre to help you think through planting, timing, and garden decisions while you’re in the shop, before speaking with staff.
What Ask Peter can and can’t do
Ask Peter is designed to offer clear, ecologically-sound, general gardening guidance to help you think things through while you’re in the garden centre.
It doesn’t replace on-site advice or detailed garden planning.
In particular:
- It can’t view photos or assess individual gardens.
- It doesn’t create detailed, personalised planting plans.
- It doesn’t provide full garden redesigns or long-term coaching
Use Ask Peter to get your bearings, then speak with staff for advice specific to your garden and the plants available here.
Before you ask…
Is Ask Peter free?
Yes. You can ask as many gardening questions as you like, any time. It’s a free tool designed to give you honest, practical advice based on my experience.
Does Peter answer the questions personally?
Ask Peter uses a digital version of me, built from my own gardening knowledge, writing, media work and experience. It gives the same advice I’d give you in person.
Is the advice suitable for Ireland & the UK?
Absolutely. All advice is tailored to Irish and UK conditions, wildlife considerations and seasonal variation. This is what encouraged me to create this service as so much content online and from AI is generic and not suitabkle to Irish conditions, if even correct at all.
When should I book a consultation instead?
If you need a full plan, planting list, layout ideas, or help redesigning a space, an Online Garden Consultation or Planting Plan is the best place to start that process. You can book your time here
Is Ask Peter wildlife-friendly?
Yes. All recommendations follow sustainable, chemical-free, wildlife-friendly and ecologically sound gardening principles.
Can you help with a full garden design?
Yes. If you’re planning a bigger project or a full garden makeover, you can book a full Garden Design service here.