Peter-Donegan-RHSI-garden-show-2019

Details:

  • When: 10am – 5pm, Sun 28 July 2019.
  • Where: Russborough House & Parklands, Blessington, Co Wicklow, W91 W284
  • Tickets: RHSI Garden Show via Eventbrite

What:

I will be hosting The Talks Stage at The RHSI Garden Show 2019 and will also be amongst the list of extremely talented speakers.

Further details…

image courtesy: Tim Howell, at The RHS Talks Theatre.
Image courtesy: Tim Howell, at The RHS Talks Theatre.

Peter Donegan to Host RHSI Garden Show Talks Stage This July

Garden Designer Peter Donegan is set to host The RHSI Talks Stage this July, his first on-stage appearance as MC since interviewing BBC’s Terry Walton at The Royal Horticultural Society’s Talks Theatre at RHS Flower Show Cardiff in April. At the stunning Russborough House Hippodrome, Donegan will team up once again with contractor Ed Burnham, brains behind the build of no less than 16 RHS Show gardens (including Donegan’s silver medal winning design celebrating garden charity Perennial’s 180th anniversary) and a list of extremely accomplished hort voices that amongst others include author, TV Presenter and stalwart of BBC’s Gardeners Question Time Anne Swithinbank.

The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland (RHSI) and The Alfred Beit Foundation have teamed up for the third year to host this already established garden show on Sunday, 28th July 2019 in the beautiful parkland setting of Russborough, Blessington, Co. Wicklow and from From Garden Design Clinics, music, demonstrations, workshops, garden tours to gardening inspiration, fairy trails for children and birds of prey special flight demonstrations, it seems they will yet again create a magical buzz at Earl of Milltown’s former residence which dates back to 1741.

This year, the show’s focus will be on sustainability and biodiversity with plenty to occupy both experienced and novice gardeners and children and families. The day’s activities will take place under five main banners – Grow, Learn, Explore, Shop and Eat.

Leading nurseries including Camolin Potting Shed, Leamore Nursery, Rare Plants Ireland and Shady Plants Nursery will head up those wishing to pick some specialist plant advice and pick up something to add to their collection or garden. As well as select stalls for garden accessories, cut flowers, artisan foods and botanic-inspired art and craft, all complementing the beautiful plant offering.

Under the ‘Learn’ banner, the talks stage talks in the Hippodrome will host such luminaries as Éanna Ní Lamhna, Oliver Schumann, Hester Forde, Hazel Proctor, Mick Kelly, Ed Burnham and Anne Swithinbank offering their expert insights, with garden designer Peter Donegan fresh from speaking at The RHS Talk Theatre in Cardiff acting as MC.

Show Director, Elaine McDevitt, explains,
‘We’re delighted by the surge of support for the Show, from speakers, gardeners, nurseries and more. It’s an honour to bring so many interesting people together in this most beautiful of settings, to help spread an important message and have some fun in the process.’ RHSI Show chairperson, Robert Myerscough, added, ‘The RHSI has promoted horticulture in all its forms for over two centuries and is committed to education and biodiversity. This Show has quickly become a cornerstone of our annual calendar and we look forward to welcoming all to Russborough on July 28th.’

The organisers are immensely grateful to anchor sponsor, Quinns Superstore; to the Leader Programme, in particular for their focus on biodiversity and sustainability. Friends of the Show are GLDA, mycabin.ie, The Irish Garden, Euro Garden & Home and Quilter Cheviot. A particular thanks go to RHSI garden manager, May Maguire and the RHSI team of volunteers who keep the Walled Garden in peak condition.

Advance admission tickets are available now for 8 euro per adult via Eventbrite and rhsi.ie. Admission on the day will cost 10 euro or 8 euro for RHSI members and Russborough Season ticket holders. Kids go free. Parking is free.

I look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a superb day out in a pretty wonderful location.