Ep 4. Southern Ireland

As devoted gardeners, we're always looking for inspiration and new ideas to help keep our plants and gardens thriving. This week, the Gardeners' World team takes us on a journey to explore the stunning landscapes and gardens of Southern Ireland.

We begin by visiting Carlow Garden Trail, a stunning collection of gardens set in the heart of County Carlow. Led by presenter Monty Don, we explore the gardens of Altamont and Hunting Brook, both known for their incredible displays of rare and exotic plants. Monty is particularly impressed by the spectacular use of color and texture in these gardens, which create a stunning visual feast for the eyes. We also learn about the history of these gardens, and the hard work that goes into maintaining them.

Next, we head over to Wicklow Mountains National Park, where we discover a hidden gem in the form of Powerscourt Gardens. These breathtaking gardens feature a stunning array of water features, fountains, and terraces, along with beautifully manicured lawns and flower beds. Presenter Adam Frost takes us on a tour of the gardens, showing us some of his favorite spots, including the Japanese garden and the pet cemetery. We also learn about the history of the estate, which dates back to the 13th century.

Moving on from the grandeur of Powerscourt, we visit small-scale gardeners who have created something special in their own backyards. Presenter Nick Bailey takes us to meet Trish and John Cody, who have transformed their modest garden in County Wexford into a food lover's paradise. The couple grow an impressive array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and even have their own beehives to produce honey. Nick talks to the Codys about the challenges of running a small garden, and gets tips on how to make the most of even the tiniest plot of land.

Back on a grander scale, we visit Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, which boasts an impressive 100-acre organic farm. Presenter Arit Anderson speaks to Darina Allen, founder of the cookery school, about the importance of organic farming and how the school uses its own produce to create delicious meals. We also learn about the school's kitchen garden, which serves as a teaching tool for students. Arit is clearly in her element as she peruses the garden, admiring the incredible selection of herbs and vegetables.

Finally, we visit an extraordinary garden in County Waterford, where presenter Frances Tophill meets garden designer Helen Dillon. Helen's own garden is a masterclass in creative planting, featuring a stunning range of shrubs, perennials, and exotic plants from around the world. Frances is fascinated by Helen's approach to garden design, which is all about experimenting and taking risks.

From majestic estate gardens to humble backyard plots, this episode of Gardeners' World takes us on a whirlwind tour of some of Southern Ireland's most beautiful gardens. We come away feeling inspired and excited to put some of these ideas into practice in our own gardens.