Ballymaloe Garden Festival promises an autumnal treat

Even if you don’t know your radishes from your rhubarb, there is something for all the family at the first Ballymaloe Garden Festival which takes place this weekend at the East Cork gardens located around Ballymaloe House and Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Head gardener at Ballymaloe, Susan Turner, is the main organiser, along with Darina and Hazel Allen.

Turner says that autumn is the ideal time for such an event “as it’s the harvest time of the year, a time of celebration”. The festival will focus on sustainability, wildlife and education. There will be workshops, talks and garden walks, with most events taking place in Ballymaloe Grainstore, the restored 17th century former farm building located near Ballymaloe House.