John will take audiences on a journey through the extraordinary gardens he has managed, from the intimate charm of Mount Usher in County Wicklow to the dramatic, sub-tropical oasis of Inverewe in northwest Scotland. He will also delve into the woodland splendour of Exbury, home to the Rothschild rhododendron collection and share experiences from the renowned Savill and Valley Gardens in Berkshire.
What makes this talk particularly special is the wealth of practical “takeaways” John weaves throughout. Expect plenty of those much-loved nuggets of wisdom – from clever planting combinations and how to work with your local microclimate, to tips on achieving year-round interest and managing large or small spaces with confidence.
This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most respected figures in horticulture, in a setting that perfectly reflects the themes of his work – natural beauty, thoughtful design and the joy of gardening.

This talk is starting at 11.00 am in the walled garden.

Tickets are for sale within the Carlow Garden Festival webpage.
Please email altamontgardens@opw.ie for any enquiries.

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