Peter Dowdall: Garden festivals and show gardens inspire us 

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

A ‘SunSmart’ garden, created by the Marie Keating Foundation, shone a light on skin cancer at Bord Bia’s Bloom three years ago. Pictured are Nuala Carey, RTÉ weather presenter and Jonny Cooper, Dublin GAA. Picture: Shane O'Neill, SON Photographic

I’ve missed Chelsea, Bloom, Mallow and all the other flower shows which haven’t happened over the last two years.

I know Chelsea was held in September this year but it’s not the same. I didn’t go, mostly because I’m not comfortable at the thought of travelling on a plane yet but also because it didn’t feel right in September, for me the festival is so synonymous with May and high summer.