Some blooming great ideas for your summer garden

As temperatures soar throughout the country it’s safe to say that it’s officially the start of summer. With the long summer evenings, there’s never been a better time to turn our attention to our outdoor spaces. Whether you’ve got luscious lawns or a balcony oasis, Woodie’s garden expert Brian Burke shares his top tips to make the most of your garden this summer:

Location, Location, Location

If you’re planning on planting summer bedding in hanging baskets and planters, and It’s important to consider the location. Some flowers do better in certain areas that others, but depending on your designated location choose the best summer flowering bulbs for a spot that they’ll thrive in. There are loads of different options for window and door pots, places in the sun, windy or shaded areas. Now is the last real chance to plant any summer flowering bulbs, so make it a priority and if you’re unsure what to plant, your local Woodie’s experts will be able to guide you on the best bulbs and plants.

Short on Space?

If you’re short on garden space, opt for a vertical hanging garden. This is a great alternative for anyone who wants to add more colour to the outdoor area, but don’t have the space to do it. There’s no reason why you can’t have your own personal green retreat and there are some great resources and step-by-step guides available from woodies.ie.

Water!

Watering is an important task when it comes to gardening as it prevents plants from wilting in summer. But how much and how often should you be watering? Most plants depend on even moisture so maintaining good soil moisture levels is extremely important. To keep on top of the moisture levels, invest in a moisture meter to know exactly when your soil needs watering. And more importantly, water in the evening time when it’s cooler.

Bord Bia Bloom

Bord Bia Bloom takes place from 1 – 5 June in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Now in its 17th year, Bord Bia Bloom has become one of Ireland’s largest showcases celebrating the best of Irish horticulture, food and drink. Originally created to promote plants, garden design, horticulture and gardening, Bord Bia’s role in promoting food and drink has allowed Bloom to develop further. The show has grown into something which not only makes for a great day out, but also offers a huge range of practical information on everything from gardening, to growing fruit and vegetables, cooking and culture.

Woodie’s gardening expert Brian Burke who designed Woodie’s show garden ‘As I Live and Breathe’ for the annual event, is encouraging people to come along to Bloom to see the Woodie’s show garden. Brian will be on hand with Woodie’s horticulturalists to offer tips and advice to visitors.

Woodie’s believe and want everyone to love where they live and the ‘As I Live and Breathe’ garden (above) demonstrates how an outdoor space becomes an extension of the home and creates a feeling of "home".

Excited about showcasing the Woodie’s show garden at Bord Bia Bloom, Brian Burke said: “Woodie’s want Irish people to love their spaces so this garden was designed with domestic gardens in mind – it’s an achievable design for your own back garden. There is a natural flow from the house into the garden – an intersecting path leads from two openings from the home to two large, covered spaces at the back of the garden. The x-shaped paths create four large beds that have been planted with flowering perennials and grasses like Salvia, Calamagrostis, and Agapanthus and the inside corner is anchored with multi stem birch trees. The covered spaces are connected with timber decking matching that used on the pathways. The spaces provide a sanctuary and a place to relax, unwind and take in the garden. We’re looking forward to showcasing at Bloom and hope to meet many new faces.”

All plants and products including furniture, accessories, decking and paint are available from the 35 Woodie’s stores nationwide or online at Woodies.ie.

For more information on Bloom see bordbiabloom.com and for gardening tips and all the tools, you'll need for your next gardening job, visit one of Woodie's 35 stores nationwide or see www.woodies.ie.