The Carlow Garden Festival is delighted to welcome Jimi Blake, one of Ireland’s most celebrated plantsmen to Delta Sensory Gardens for a talk “Border Planting with Jimi Blake: Planting Combinations That You Would Never Expect to Work but Do” that promises to inspire gardeners of all levels.
Jimi, the creator of the renowned Huntingbrook Gardens in County Wicklow, has built a reputation for his bold planting style, rich colour palettes and ever-evolving borders that showcase plants at their very best. In this engaging talk, he takes audiences on a virtual journey through Huntingbrook, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the borders that have made it one of Ireland’s most admired and frequently visited gardens.
Sharing his personal favourites along the way, Jimi presents the top plants that bring structure, movement and long-lasting interest to his garden, from striking perennials to unexpected combinations that create depth and drama. His approach is both creative and intuitive, demonstrating how gardens can be constantly refreshed and reimagined through thoughtful planting.
Throughout the talk, Jimi draws on his extensive experience to highlight ideas that can be adapted to gardens of all sizes — from selecting plants that perform well together to creating seasonal impact and maintaining a sense of balance within a border. His relaxed and engaging style, combined with his deep knowledge of plants, makes this an enjoyable and accessible session for anyone looking to enhance their own garden.
About Jimi Blake
Jimi Blake trained in the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin as a horticulturist and was subsequently appointed Head Gardener at Airfield House in Dundrum, Dublin. There he resuscitated a large Victorian garden to its former glory enabling the public to rediscover and enjoy a lost gem.
After twelve years at Airfield, Jimi sought a new challenge and having secured twenty acres of the family estate he established “Hunting Brook Gardens.” He was now fulfilling his ambition of having his own garden, to grow and expand his plant collection and share his passion and knowledge with the public. He envisaged using his garden as a classroom and a showcase to demonstrate the diverse range of designs he could develop.
Jimi has realised his dream of a dynamic and innovative garden and continues to develop his vision in new directions, always pushing the boundaries outwards. Hunting Brook is a perennially popular educational space for students, volunteers, allotment holders and visitors and is now known as Ireland’s most exciting and fascinating garden.
Jimi is a gardening consultant, planting designer, and international lecturer giving talks and presentations all over the world.
Explore Delta Sensory Gardens
‘An oasis of peace and tranquillity’, ‘a hidden secret’, and ‘sensory delight’ are just some of the many lovely descriptions of the highly acclaimed, award-winning gardens set on 2.5 acres with a series of interconnecting gardens to beckon you with bright and beautiful blooms.
Stroll and admire each of the 16 gardens; listen to the dulcet sounds; touch, feel and smell the beautiful array of flowers, plants and trees; enjoy the unique sculptures and bask in the tranquil babble of the many wonderous water features throughout the gardens. Refuel with tasty treats from the delightfully colourful and spacious Café Thyme and perhaps pick up some plants to bring home from the garden centre or the local arts and gifts selection. Delta Sensory Gardens focus on the five basic human senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. The gardens offer a great opportunity to switch off from busy everyday lives and delight in the natural environment; appreciate the beauty, the sounds, the smells and enjoy the calm of this hidden oasis.
Directions: R93 Y959. From Dublin/Waterford take Exit 4 on M9 motorway and follow signs for Carlow Town. Strawhall Estate is located off Cannery Road, the road which serves Netwatch Cullen Park GAA grounds on the outskirts of Carlow Town close to the Athy Road roundabout. Follow brown tourist signs.
Type of event: This in an indoors event with the opportunity to visit Delta Sensory Gardens before or after the talk. Cafe Thyme serves delicious lunches, tea/coffee and snacks with outdoor dining options also available in the gardens. A selection of local craft items are available for sale along with a range of plants in the on-site garden centre.
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