Gardening Midweek

Deirde Howlin – Head Gardener Kelly’s

Deirdre Howlin is Kelly Resort Hotel’s Head Gardener. With an impressive horticultural background and holding a BSc honours in Horticulture, Deirdre is a bundle of energy, having run her own Grange Green Plant centre and co-owned and managed the Tower Escargot Snail Farm.  Deirdre works full-time with Bill and Kelly’s Executive Chef, Eugene Callaghan, on the different varieties of seasonal vegetables ensuring the hotel gets maximum yields from the ground, while giving back to the land at the same time.

Monday 11.00 am

Ealma Purcell – The Poppy Garden

Ealma Purcell is the creator of The Poppy Garden, a wonderfully colourful and characterful one acre garden in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, overlooking the Loughcrew Hills.

A self taught gardener, Ealma has transformed what was once a bare acre into a vibrant and highly individual garden filled with perennials, shrubs and trees, winding pathways, colourful pots and imaginative features. Much of the garden has been created through growing from seed, taking cuttings, dividing plants and experimenting along the way.

Ealma’s relaxed and practical approach to gardening has made her a popular speaker, sharing her experience and enthusiasm with gardening groups and audiences around the country. She has also featured in gardening media and on radio, including appearances on RTÉ Radio 1, where she has shared seasonal gardening advice and insights from The Poppy Garden.

In 2026, Ealma was also part of the programme of gardening talks at Bord Bia Bloom, sharing her knowledge and passion with visitors to Ireland’s largest garden festival.

Warm, engaging and refreshingly down to earth, Ealma brings the story of The Poppy Garden to life, sharing plenty of practical ideas and inspiration for gardeners of all levels

Tuesday 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 pm.

Jimi Blake – TV Presenter & Author

Join us for an exciting Gardening Midweek with Jimi Blake, a highly regarded author, TV presenter, and the proud owner of Hunting Brook Gardens in Blessington, Co Wicklow. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the seasons at Hunting Brook Gardens, which have gained widespread acclaim as one of Ireland’s most dynamic, interesting, and innovative horticultural wonders.

Jimi’s passion for horticulture blossomed during his training at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, where he honed his skills as a horticulturist. Building upon this foundation, he went on to become the Head Gardener at Airfield House in Dundrum, Dublin. Here, he undertook a remarkable transformation of a grand Victorian garden, breathing new life into its once-forgotten magnificence and allowing the public to rediscover and appreciate its hidden splendor.

As a regular TV host on “Ireland’s Garden Heroes,” Jimi’s love for plants has been widely celebrated. His insights and experiences are beautifully captured in his new book, “A Beautiful Obsession,” a must-read for any plant enthusiast.

Not only is Jimi an expert in his field, but he also serves as a distinguished gardening consultant and planting designer. His expertise has taken him across the globe, where he captivates audiences with his enthralling talks and presentations, sharing his wealth of knowledge. Through his international lectures, he has forged connections with fellow horticulture enthusiasts and inspired countless individuals with his innovative and visionary approaches to gardening.

During our Gardening Midweek, Jimi’s keen eye for design, imaginative plant combinations, and unique perspectives on gardening are guaranteed to captivate and inspire us all. This is an event not to be missed, as we delve into the world of Jimi Blake and discover the beauty and creativity that Hunting Brook Gardens has to offer.

Wednesday 11.00 am – 1.00 pm

Garden Visit to Johnstown Castle with Jimi Blake

Join Jimi Blake for a special visit to the magnificent Johnstown Castle Gardens.

Take a trip with Jimi as he explores these historic gardens and meets the Head Gardener. Together, they will share their knowledge, experience and passion for plants, discussing the gardens, their development and the wonderful variety of planting found throughout the estate.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an informal and engaging tour, ask questions and pick up plenty of gardening inspiration along the way.

A wonderful afternoon for garden lovers in the beautiful surroundings of Johnstown Castle.

Thursday – Bus leaving hotel at 11.00 pm and will return for 1.30 pm.