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YOUR GARDEN GOALS THIS SUMMER

Two of Leinster’s most beloved shopping experiences combine as The Orchard pop-up shop opens at Arnotts. We caught up with founder Gerry Dooley on how this prized garden centre got started, what flora to set for summer, the best picnic spots to discover our native botanicals and how to set up your own outdoor space in time for the long stretch in the evening.

A wildlife devotee from a young age Gerry Dooley got his start studying Horticulture at The National Botanical Gardens in Glasnevin and later working with the Dublin Parks Department. Gerry explains how the first seeds of The Orchard were planted, “I discovered a Victorian walled garden in Celbridge which was neglected and needed a new life. I got my hands on it in 1983 where I set up Orchard Nurseries. The business evolved from there over the years with passion and vision.”

"A rnotts is one of the iconic stores we all know and love. We are so honoured to have been asked to represent the new outdoor living concession at Arnotts and we’re delighted to present our 2021 outdoor living collection both online and in-store.” - Gerry Dooley, founder of The Orchard.

GIY GOALS

If you are harbouring ambitions to get your hands dirty this summer than according to Gerry “now is the time.” Gerry advises budding gardeners to “set magnolias, wisteria and rhododendrons this May/June and if you want to give a vegetable patch a go choose potatoes, tomatoes, onions and salads leaves. These will all take well in the next few weeks in prepared ground, containers and raised beds.”

PICK OF PICNIC SPOTS

Who better to ask where to rediscover the wonders of our unique island's horticulture than Gerry. He maintains the best spots to find something different and set up a picnic are “the Botanical Gardens if you are in Dublin but most of all The Burren, Co. Clare. There is something extraordinary about this wild landscape, rare flora and fauna and clean air.”