Garden Digest: Ideas to make the most of our green spaces 

Check out all the garden visits, tours, talks, events, campaigns and online resources for the room outside 

• The Irish Garden Plant Society is hosting garden visits in Co. Wicklow on Saturday, August 19, at Russborough House and later at June Blake’s garden. The group will meet at 11am in the walled garden which is a short walk from the house. The 18th-century walled garden is 3.5 acres in size and has been partially restored by RHSI volunteers. Plants thrive in the sheltered microclimate created by brick-lined walls. Approximately 50% is in productive use with herbaceous borders, roses and an extensive selection of fruits and vegetables. Just 20 minutes away you will find June Blake’s garden, Tinode, Kilbride, Co. Wicklow, W91EC90. The group will aim to arrive at 2pm for a guided tour of this three-acre contemporary garden. There should be fabulous late summer colour in the garden that surrounds the old steward’s house and recently restored, award-winning farm buildings.
• ‘Flower Power’ is a presentation by the Irish Patchwork Society and The European Quilt Association at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin, that runs until August 20. As its name suggests, the free exhibition of approximately 300 small round textile art pieces is inspired by the theme of flower power. After Glasnevin, the exhibition will travel throughout Europe for the next 12 months.
• Lismore Castle Gardens will host a talk by head gardener Colm O’Driscoll on the evening of Friday, September 29, from 7pm to 9pm. Colm joins Lismore from Airfield Estate in Dundrum, Co. Dublin, where he spearheaded the transformation of the gardens from a part-building site to one of Ireland’s must-see gardens. A graduate of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, Colm has enjoyed a diverse career, gaining experience in many sectors of the horticultural industry, including landscape, retail, nursery stock, and organic food production. For booking information phone [phone] or email [e-mail]
• Glin Castle in Limerick will host an open day on Sunday, September 3. Admission is €10 per adult and gates open at noon. The open day will offer a tour of the ground floor of the castle and a tour of the gardens. The legacy of the Knights of Glin goes back 800 years. You will get an opportunity to hear about the history of the FitzGerald Family, view the superb interiors and admire the collection of Irish furniture and paintings. There will also be guided tours of the magnificent formal gardens and kitchen garden.
• Got an item or garden club event for Garden Digest? Email [e-mail]