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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.

Peter Dowdall: What to see and do at Mallow Home & Garden Festival this weekend

Peter Dowdall: What to see and do at Mallow Home & Garden Festival this weekend

'Long before social media, gardeners swapped plants and advice over fences. Festivals like Mallow continue that tradition on a larger scale'

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Garden Q&A: Our hedge has black, withered leaves. What will help?

Garden Q&A: Our hedge has black, withered leaves. What will help?

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

Tue, 05 May, 2026

Garden Q&A: My rhubarb has thrown up a flower spike. Should I cut it off?

Garden Q&A: My rhubarb has thrown up a flower spike. Should I cut it off?

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

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

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