In this weeks episode we celebrate as Ireland's gardens awaken in a rare dry spell after many months of rain. Gardens are coming to life and it feels like we can start in earnest to get going and growing in our gardens. We'll guide you through nurturing your seedlings against the of spring weather. Crack open the greenhouse doors and join the buzz of activity as I share essential tips for keeping your tender plants safe from the chill. We'll also discuss the wonders of capillary matting, a garden lifesaver that keeps your green oasis hydrated under the intense heat that can build at this time of year.

We explore the creation of native wildflower meadows and the new course John has created with the guidance of expert wildflower grower Sandro Cafolla.
Sandro's insights help us on the path to building ecosystems of enduring beauty and wildlife havens within our gardens. I'll recount the joy of watching my own wildflower meadow flourish from Sandro's seeds, becoming a self-sustaining ecosystem that bring joy and supports biodiversity. You can find our collaborative course designed to arm you with the knowledge to cultivate your own patch of Ireland's natural heritage.

Master My Garden Wildflower Course is available here:
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-wildflower-meadow/

To Buy Native Irish Wildflower Seeds visit here:
http://www.wildflowers.ie

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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Ever found yourself in the garden, glaring at a slimy trail that once was your favorite lettuce? Well, you're not alone in this snail saga gardeners have always had a continuous battle with slugs and snails. This spring is not going to be any different with all the wet weather over the last number of months coupled with a mild winter, slugs and snails will be out in force.

In this weeks episode, I share the gritty details of the war on slugs. From clean gardening practices which help. How to build up your natural garden ecosystem. We navigate all the treatment methods, like sheep's wool pellets, organic slug pellets, beer traps, copper tape and many more. This episode is about fortifying your garden against slugs and snails, and we're here to equip you with the know-how to do just that.

As the moon climbs high and the garden dims, it becomes prime time for some old-fashioned slug re-homing. Other husbandry includes using terracotta pot hideouts and embracing the ecosystem by welcoming frogs into your garden. We consider slug nematodes and we investigate how to maintain the balance between bug banishing and biodiversity.

To cap it all off, we faced the stark reality of a garden left vulnerable after a slug fest, a truth I've known too well with my once-promising potato crop of 2023. This battle is more a marathon than a sprint, and we're running it together, learning to adjust and adapt our tactics with every season. From the challenges that a warm winter brings on pest problems the following year to doing the things that increase your chances of winning against this garden foe. This episode is your ally in the ceaseless quest for a thriving, slug-scarce garden. Join me, and let's transform your green space into a no-slugs land.

Pest control modules are also included in my online grow your own food course which has everything you need to grow your own food year after year for a one time fee of just €97. You can purchase here for immediate access to all you need to grow your own this year.
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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In this weeks episode John chats with Des Doyle, garden designer, course creator and now author all about his new book "Growing Beauty". The conversation goes in many directions as Des sharing his gardening knowledge with us, we delve into sustainability, garden design, great plant combinations, gardening for mental health and so much more.

Discover the transformative power of gardening with the wisdom of Des Doyle, who returns to grace our show following his memorable insights from episode 53. With his new book "Growing Beauty" in hand, Des takes us on an intimate tour of his personal garden sanctuary, guiding us through the rhythmic dance of seasons and the intricate beauty of plant life. Our conversation blossoms, shedding light on creating spaces that resonate with their environment and the healing touch that comes with every leaf and petal.

Sustainability in gardening often seems like an elusive goal, but not when Des Doyle shares his approach to cultivating eco-conscious and historically resonant landscapes. We navigate the delicate balance between aesthetic allure and environmental responsibility, exploring the selection of robust plants like hellebores and the cautionary tale of trend-driven, resource-intensive species such as dahlias. This episode champions the virtues of supporting local nurseries and making garden choices that echo far beyond the confines of our own backyards, fostering a greener future for our communities and our world.

Des imparts his expertise on creating a garden that captivates across all seasons. From the strategic use of foliage to the interplay of light and shadow, we uncover the secrets to a perennially enchanting garden. Candida Firth McDonald and filmmaker Alan's contributions are celebrated for bringing "Growing Beauty" to life in book and film.

We round off the episode chatting about the restorative benefits of gardening and nature when it comes to mental health with Des chatting personally about how gardening helped him with his own mental health struggle a number of years ago.

"Growing Beauty" the superb first book by Des Doyle is available to purchase here:
https://gardenfable.com/product/growing-beauty-book/

You can also contact Des through his website here:
https://gardenfable.com/contact/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Support the Show.