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Peter Dowdall

Garden designer, horticulturalist and broadcaster Peter Dowdall creates sustainable rooms outside and is a passionate advocate for greener cities.

In spring, milkweed (Euphorbia amygdaloides) grows in the wild

Euphorbia: the reliable, adaptable plant for every garden

Explore the adaptable beauty of Euphorbias, from resilient natives to stunning garden varieties like Tasmanian Tiger, perfect for year-round appeal.

Sat, 04 Apr, 2026

Darmera peltata pink flowers with green background

Work with the weather: The dogwoods, willows, and irises that thrive in waterlogged Irish gardens

Some plants are happy in the wet weather

Mon, 24 Nov, 2025

Autumn

Peter Dowdall: Putting your garden to bed for autumn and winter

It's time to consider what to cut back and what to leave

Sat, 27 Sep, 2025

Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo

Garden Q&A: What causes holes in lupin leaves, and what's the remedy?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025

Mountain biking between crocus blossoms

Peter Dowdall: The keys to success with spring bulbs

They require very little fuss yet reward you so generously

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Butterfly bush also known as buddleia

Peter Dowdall: The switch which drives us gardeners outside has gone off once more

Plants that bloom later in the summer rather than in spring can generally be pruned now

Sat, 29 Mar, 2025

Crocuses, Krokus

Peter Dowdall: How to make the most of crocus displays

These flowers are seen as nature’s way of reassuring us that warmer days are on their way In some cultures, they represent cheerfulness and gladness

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

WaterAid Garden, Show Garden, designed by Tom Massey and Je Ahn

Peter Dowdall: Chelsea Flower Show designs mark 'seismic shift' in how gardens are built

Ssustainability is taking centre stage at festivals like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Fri, 24 May, 2024

Peter Dowdall: No fake grass and an end to peat as sustainability moves front and centre at Chelsea

S Peter Dowdall: No fake grass and an end to peat as sustainability moves front and centre at Chelsea

Sustainability goals are taking centre stage at this year's eco-conscious Chelsea Flower Show

Mon, 22 May, 2023

ROYAL Chelsea/Visit

Peter Dowdall: 'Queen Elizabeth always seemed happy and at peace in the garden'

This monarch's understanding of the importance of the environment meant she left 'a great legacy'

Mon, 12 Sep, 2022