You are well advised to come to Carlow this month if you have even a passing interest in gardening. The annual Carlow Garden Festival will take place from Friday July 22nd to Monday 1st August. Over the few days there are a wide range of talks, workshops, displays and tours throughout the county of Carlow. In its 20th year, the festival continues to attract the best names in the business including well known TV and radio presenters along with other high profile names including Adam Frost and James Alexander-Sinclair. The latter duo will be opening the festival this year at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven on July 22nd.

With 20 highly enjoyable and entertaining events scheduled to take place in several of Carlow’s finest locations including Altamont Gardens, Huntington Castle & Gardens and Burton House for starters, the festival is shaping up to be something incredibly special indeed this year. We have chosen to highlight a few of our favourites below to give a sense of how special the Carlow Garden Festival 2022 is.

The following events are ticketed events and will require pre booking in advance, so do book early as spaces are limited.

THE DESIGN OFF – Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow.

On Friday July 22nd at 7.30pm, Chelsea award winning garden designer Adam Frost, and renowned journalist James Alexander Sinclair will present two previous garden designs they have worked on. Learn first hand some helpful hints on how to create your own garden space using key principles of design that work on the average size garden. Tickets are €25 and can be purchased by contacting 059 9721558

BEING ENERGY AWARE MATTERS – The Barrow Experience Gardens, Bagnelstown, Co. Carlow

As energy costs soar, and our planet suffers due to years of unnecessary pollutants and climate change damage, Shirley Lanigan will speak from the heart as she guides us through ten small organically worked gardens located on the banks of the River Barrow. Hear first hand how we can all garden more responsibly for the greater good of our world and that of future generations. The event starts at 12 noon on Sunday, July 24^th and tickets are €8. Visit the www.carlowgardentrail.com

While we have tried to highlight a few events, there are so many more talks and displays that cover topics such as floral displays and practical tips on reviving your garden. The Carlow Garden Trail website (link shown) will show you immediately what’s waiting for you to discover.

WHERE TO STAY

If you have not yet booked somewhere to stay, make sure to phone us on 059 9174222 at Avlon House Bed and Breakfast to check availability and best rates for your preferred dates to visit Carlow. We will also respond to emails as quickly as we can info@avlonhouse.com