Join two of the most engaging voices in UK horticulture, Joe Swift and James Alexander-Sinclair, for a lively and insightful conversation on garden design and creativity.
To start the evening, Joe Swift provides a fascinating insight into his latest project, Joe’s Country Garden, a deeply personal garden he is developing from scratch following his move from urban London to rural Dorset.
Set within a mature two-acre site, the garden is a true work in progress and offers a rare opportunity to see how a leading designer approaches a garden over time. Joe will share his thinking behind the transformation, from early site decisions and reshaping the layout, to introducing structure through pathways and evolving planting schemes. He will also explore how he is working with what was already there – including woodland and meadow areas – and reflect on the realities of building a garden from the ground up, from hard landscaping and soil preparation to planting, pruning and long-term planning. Joining Joe on stage is garden designer, writer and broadcaster James Alexander-Sinclair, known for his wit, who will share his own perspectives on Joe’s garden while inviting and fielding questions from the audience.
In the second part of the evening, James will introduce his own garden – a space that is a few years further along in its development – offering a contrasting perspective and allowing both speakers to reflect on how gardens evolve over time. A chatty and engaging exchange is promised, with Joe and James contributing to each other’s talks – questioning, commenting and occasionally disagreeing – giving the audience a genuine insight into how two experienced garden designers think and work.
Expect honest reflections, practical insights and plenty of laughs as they compare approaches, share lessons learned and highlight what has worked (and what hasn’t).
The evening will conclude with an audience Q&A – with a twist. In true James and Joe Garden Show style, questions are encouraged, but only the interesting ones… and preferably nothing about dead plants.
Blending expertise with personality and entertainment, this promises to be an engaging and memorable evening for gardeners of all levels.
Make the most of the opening weekend of the Carlow Garden Festival with this great-value pass!
Have you thought about booking the weekend pass which gives you access to four great talks at a reduced rate of €70 (normally €80) ? The Great Opening Weekend bundle gives you access to:
Fiann Ó Nualláin in Leighlinbridge – The Garden Village
Keeping It Country – The James & Joe Garden Show at Arboretum
Joe Swift is a familiar gardening face having been a regular presenter on BBC Gardeners World since 1998, and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and many other gardening shows over the years.
Joe is the Design Director of Modular, a garden design and build brand and has won many design awards including a Chelsea Gold Medal. Joe writes a weekly column for The Times and Radio Times Magazine, has written eight books and contributes to ‘The Garden Collective’. He has his own Youtube channel ‘Joe’s Country Garden’
Admission: €30. Two course buffet meal 5 – 7 p.m. at Rachel's Garden Cafe €24.95 pp
Type of event: Indoors with opportunity to view Arboretum Home and Garden Centre. Late opening until 9.45 p.m. Enjoy two course buffet meal 5 – 7 p.m. with tea/coffee in Rachel’s Garden Cafe. Choice of three main courses and choice from the dessert counter.
About James Alexander Sinclair
James Alexander-Sinclair MSGD is a renowned British garden designer. He began his career as a landscape contractor in London before moving to the English countryside in 1992. Since then he has designed private and public gardens, both large and small, throughout the UK and occasionally beyond.
James is also a well-known writer, contributing to many of the British horticultural publications (Gardens Illustrated, English Garden, Country Life, The Garden etc) and was voted the Garden Media Guild Garden Journalist of the Year in 2019. He has had a varied career as a television presenter and is a long-term member of the BBC team for coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Anyone who has seen James on stage will attest that he is a lively and engaging speaker. James has been a Royal Horticultural Society gardens judge since 2006, Chair of the Chelsea Flower Show selection panel and Chairman of the International Jury at the Moscow Flower Show amongst others. In 2011 he was elected to the Council of the RHS and served 10 years, he continues to be very involved with the society and has recently been appointed as a Vice-President. In 2022 James was awarded the prestigious RHS Veitch Memorial Medal for his outstanding contribution to horticulture.
In 2016 James created a garden at the Scottish Spinal Injuries Centre for the Horatio’s Garden charity, he continues to oversee the garden and in 2021 accepted a role as trustee.
Begin your visit by wandering through the award-winning Inspirational Gardens, where every pathway leads to new ideas and unexpected discoveries. Designed to inspire gardeners of all levels, this beautifully designed space showcases imaginative planting schemes, vibrant seasonal colour and tranquil water features that invite you to pause, reflect and reconnect with nature. If you are seeking practical ideas for your own garden or simply a peaceful place to wander, then this is a great spot.
Beyond the gardens, Arboretum offers much more to explore. Browse the stylish fashion boutique, discover thoughtfully curated wellness and lifestyle collections or find inspiration in the elegant homeware and kitchen departments. For gardening enthusiasts, the extensive plant centre is a destination in itself, offering a superb selection of quality plants alongside expert advice from a knowledgeable team passionate about helping your garden thrive.
Before the talk begins at 7.30 p.m., treat yourself to a delicious meal at the award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café. Renowned for its warm hospitality and seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner before an evening of horticultural inspiration!
Then, as evening falls over the Carlow countryside, take your seat and enjoy an engaging conversation with two of the UK gardening world’s leading voices.
Evening meal at Rachel’s Garden Cafe
Enjoy a two-course buffet in Rachel’s Garden Café, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are at the heart of every dish. Choose from three seasonal main courses followed by a selection of homemade desserts, all served with tea or coffee.
Menu:
Chicken Wrapped in smoked bacon w/ wild mushroom sauce
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