Building on the hugely successful Lit Fest, Ballymaloe announces the first Ballymaloe Garden Festival, dedicated to sustainable gardening. Experts will gather in Shanagarry to speak on topics ranging from rare plants to garden design.
There will be workshops, garden walks and talks on composting, the almost forgotten skill of seed saving, urban gardening, edible hedgerows, foraging, preserving and pickling natures’ bounty, flower arranging with natural and native flowers, wild birds, bees, and much more.
The Big Shed will once again be abloom with abundant plant, craft and food stalls. There will be music and fun fringe events for all the family.
Helen Dillon will speak about the evolution of her garden, Alys Folwer will lead foraging walks through the gardens at Ballymaloe, Michael Kelly will inspire you to “Grow it Yourself”, Gerard Mullen, Bloom 2013 gold medal winner will talk garden design using our native materials.
Joy Larkom, Madeline McKeever, Jim Wilson, Darina Allen, Rory O’Connell, Elizabeth O’Connell, and Susan Turner will also speak over the weekend.
We are busy planning more events and will have a schedule of events on this page very shortly. Tickets for each event will be available on the day at the door. Day passes, which cover entry to all events are available online now.
See the event website for more information
Outdoor classroom:
Nothing beats practical learning! At the Ballymaloe Garden Festival Outdoor classroom, we aim to demonstrate practical examples of achieving healthy soil, managing weeds, coping with pests and diseases and using structures to protect and support plants. In the beautiful setting of the Ballymaloe walled garden, visitors will have the chance to listen to experts and speak to fellow gardeners on how to improve gardening skills.
Tickets:
€5 – children under 16 free