Gardening Naturally with June Blake

Renowned plantswoman June Blake brings her unique insights to this year’s Carlow Garden Festival with a special workshop entitled Gardening Naturally, hosted at the community-driven An Gairdín Beo. Known for her innovative and organic approach to gardening at her celebrated garden in County Wicklow, June will share practical and philosophical perspectives on working in harmony with nature.

For many years, her garden has thrived without the use of sprays or chemicals, encouraging biodiversity and balance in a setting where birds, insects and plants co-exist naturally. Rather than striving for perfection, June advocates for tolerance of harmless weeds and careful plant selection to avoid persistent pests such as vine weevil. With a deep respect for the natural rhythms of the garden, her paths are hand-weeded occasionally and wild areas are managed rather than controlled.

During this workshop, June will also address effective, chemical-free methods of managing invasive weeds such as bindweed and ground elder—issues familiar to many gardeners. This talk reflects the ethos of An Gairdin Beo, a living community garden that celebrates sustainability, biodiversity and wellbeing. Expect to leave inspired to adopt a more mindful, natural approach to gardening your own space!

The talk takes place indoors and is followed by a tour of the gardens at An Gairdín Beo.

June Blake was born in Tinode House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Her first career was in jewellery making, to then become a sheep farmer near the family home on the Wicklow/Kildare border. Over the past twenty years, June has dedicated her time to gardening and developed her now renowned garden “June Blake’s Garden” and restored the Victorian outbuildings on the farm into award-winning accommodation and event space.  Her garden is open to the public from Easter with an exciting display of tulips and Spring flowering plants, ending with a spectacular show of wild dahlias grown from seed.  Open Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with refreshments available.