1. Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information that can identify you or be linked to you. The exact data collected depends on how you use our Services.

A. Information You Provide Directly

• Contact information: Name, email address, phone number.

• Service booking details: Information submitted when booking consultations or requesting planting plans.

• Messages: Information included in emails, contact forms, or Ask Peter conversations.

• Payment information: Processed securely by Shopify or relevant payment providers. We do not store card details.

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Device and browser information

• IP address

• Usage data (pages visited, time spent, interactions)

• Cookies and similar technologies

C. Information Collected Through Ask Peter

When you use our digital gardening assistant (“Ask Peter”), we collect:

• The text you type into the assistant

• Timestamp and usage information

• Your email address if you choose to sign up for updates or Premium
  Conversation data is processed securely by Chatbase, our AI service provider.

We do not collect images through Ask Peter.

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2. What We Do NOT Collect or Sell

The Irish Gardener no longer sells physical products.
We do not collect personal information related to:

• product fulfilment

• shipping

• exchanges or returns

• product recommendations

• wishlists or shopping carts

Any historical references to products on our website do not reflect current Services.

We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.

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3. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

A. To Provide and Improve Our Services

• Deliver garden consultations, planting plans, and related services

• Operate and improve Ask Peter

• Respond to enquiries and support requests

• Manage bookings and communication

• Maintain website functionality and performance

B. Marketing & Communications

With your consent:

• Send updates, newsletters, and service information

• Provide Ask Peter Premium announcements
  You may unsubscribe at any time.

C. Security & Fraud Prevention

• Detect and prevent fraudulent or malicious activity

• Protect the security of our website and systems

D. Legal Compliance

• Respond to legal requests

• Maintain tax and business records

• Comply with GDPR and applicable law

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4. How We Disclose Personal Information

We may share personal information with trusted service providers who help us operate the Services.

These include:

Shopify

Website hosting, payments, and secure storage of account details.

Chatbase

Processes Ask Peter conversation data to generate responses.

Omnisend

Email communications and updates (only if you opt in).

Analytics Providers

Tools that help us understand website usage and improve Services.

All providers are required to handle your data securely and lawfully.

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5. Ask Peter — Additional Privacy Information

Ask Peter is an AI-powered assistant trained on Peter Dowdall’s expertise.
It processes user-submitted text to provide gardening guidance.

Data Collected by Ask Peter

• Questions and messages typed into the assistant

• Usage and interaction data

• Email address if you opt in for early access or Premium updates

How This Data Is Used

• To generate responses

• To improve Ask Peter’s accuracy

• To analyse common gardening questions

• To send optional updates (with your consent)

Memory Limitations

Ask Peter cannot remember past conversations unless you repeat the context.

Data Retention

Ask Peter conversation logs are stored for 12–24 months and then securely deleted.

Your Rights

You may request deletion of your Ask Peter data at any time by emailing:
📧 data@theirishgardener.com

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6. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

We rely on the following lawful bases:

• Consent — for marketing emails or optional features

• Contract — to deliver consultations and services you book

• Legitimate Interests — to improve Ask Peter, maintain website functionality, and respond to enquiries

• Legal Obligation — recordkeeping and compliance

You may withdraw consent at any time.

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7. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred or processed outside your country of residence.
Where this occurs, we use approved safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses to ensure GDPR compliance.

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8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• provide our Services

• fulfil legal obligations

• resolve disputes

• maintain business records

Ask Peter logs: 12–24 months
Service enquiries: 12 months
Financial records: 7 years (legal requirement)

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9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction

• Request deletion

• Restrict or object to processing

• Data portability

• Withdraw consent

• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise your rights, contact us at:
📧 data@theirishgardener.com

We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

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10. Children’s Data

Our Services are not intended for children under 16.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
If a child has submitted data, contact us for immediate deletion.

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11. Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your data using industry-standard measures.
No system is perfectly secure; please avoid sending sensitive information via unsecured channels.

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Cookie Policy

Last updated: December 11, 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how The Irish Gardener (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website and digital services, including Ask Peter. By continuing to browse or use our Services, you consent to our use of cookies as described below, unless you choose to disable them through the cookie banner or your browser settings.

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What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function properly, improve user experience, and provide analytics that allow us to understand and improve our Services.

Cookies may be:

• Essential – required for core website functions

• Analytics/Performance – help us understand how users interact with the site

• Personalisation – remember your preferences

• Marketing/Advertising – used to deliver relevant content or measure campaign performance

You can manage or disable non-essential cookies at any time.

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How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

1. Essential Website Functionality

Required for the website and Ask Peter pages to load, operate securely, and remember basic settings.

2. Performance & Analytics

To understand website traffic, page performance, and user behaviour.
Providers may include:

• Shopify analytics

• Google Analytics

• Ask Peter usage analytics (non-cookie based)

3. Personalisation

To remember your preferences and improve your browsing experience.

4. Marketing & Advertising (Optional)

To personalise marketing content or measure advertising performance, only when you consent.

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Cookies Used by Third Parties

Our technology partners may also set cookies when you visit our site, including:

• Shopify — for secure checkout, site performance, analytics

• Google Analytics — for traffic measurement

• Omnisend — for email delivery and opt-in behaviour analysis

These providers act as independent data controllers for their cookie usage.
You can view their respective privacy policies for more details.

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Managing Your Cookie Preferences

When you first visit our website, you are presented with a cookie banner that allows you to:

• Accept all cookies

• Decline non-essential cookies

• Manage your preferences

You can change your settings at any time by selecting “Manage preferences” in the banner (where available) or via your browser settings.

You may also choose to block cookies entirely; however, some site features may not function correctly.

Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• Know what data is collected through cookies

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Request deletion of personal data collected through cookies

• Request more information about how cookies are used

To exercise these rights, contact:
info@theirishgardener.com

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Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in law or technology.
Any changes will be posted here with an updated “Last updated” date.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time, including to reflect changes to our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will post the revised Privacy Policy on this website, update the "Last updated" date and provide notice as required by applicable law.

Contact

Should you have any questions about our privacy practices or this Privacy Policy, or if you would like to exercise any of the rights available to you, please call or email us at info@theirishgardener.com or contact us at Suite Cottage Business Park, Carrigaline, CO, P43 EC96, IE For the purpose of applicable data protection laws, we are the data controller of your personal information.