Set in the charming surrounds of Hardymount Gardens, It’s Never Too Late by Oliver Schurmann is a thoughtful and inspiring talk that reflects on change, renewal and the evolving journey of a life in plants.
In 2025, Oliver and his wife Liat marked 25 years of Mount Venus Nursery—supplying exceptional plants to gardeners across Ireland. That milestone coincided with a significant new chapter: leaving their long-established home in the walled garden at Tibradden House, near the Dublin Mountains and moving just up the road to a striking and unconventional new site.
Once a granite sand quarry, this landscape has, over the decades, been reclaimed by nature into a place of quiet beauty featuring winding -like paths, dramatic sunken hollows, mature trees and steep fern-covered banks. It is within one of these natural amphitheatres that their new nursery has taken root.
In this talk Oliver will document that journey of moving, reimagining and starting again – offering honest reflections on the lessons learned along the way. Oliver will share insights into working with the land rather than against it, responding to what a landscape offers. Have your pen and paper ready, as Oliver shares plenty of practical advice and those all-important nuggets of wisdom to keep your garden look beautiful and dynamic throughout the year. A stunning 100-page hardback book, SLOW | CREATION | QUIET | ROOTS | LISTENING, reflects on their deep connection to Tibradden House and the Dublin Mountains. Copies will be available to purchase on the day.
This event takes place indoors and includes an opportunity to explore Hardymount Gardens at your leisure either before or after the talk. Guests will also be treated to a most wonderful afternoon tea, lovingly prepared by Ballymaloe-trained cook Justina McKeever. This is no ordinary tea—expect a seasonal spread featuring the very best of Irish ingredients, from homemade cakes and scones to delicate sandwiches and lemon drizzle cake, all served with flair and generosity. Relax under the trees or in the charming tea tent and let the atmosphere of Hardymount work its magic!
About Oliver Schurmann
Oliver Schurmann with his wife Liat runs Mount Venus Nursery in Dublin, a specialist nursery for unusual perennials and grasses, established in 2000. Oliver and Liat have designed various show gardens and floral exhibits winning many gold medals at Bloom. They are known for creating gardens that are unusual and extraordinary. Both trained in a specialist nursery in Germany and are very much influenced by the continental and practical approach to good design. Their broad knowledge of plants and the accessibility to growers enables them to create detailed and diverse planting schemes, with the aim of achieving a well-balanced plant society resulting in sustainability and low maintenance and always with the ecological approach in mind. In September 2025 they moved to a new nursery, just 400 metres away from their original site.
Explore Hardymount Gardens
Within the walled garden visitors will discover a collection of rare and unusual plants and flowers, such as the towering Giant Romneyas, fiery Lobelia Tupa, and sculptural Macleya, adorning the vibrant herbaceous borders. Paulownia and Euonymus Red Cascade adorn the shrub border beside the vegetable patch, and past the pergola, clothed in wisteria and roses.
The gardens offer more than just a visual feast; they are a labyrinth of hidden vistas and secret corners, each revealing a new layer of beauty. The old-fashioned charm is enhanced by espaliered fruit trees and climbing roses that grace the garden walls, creating a romantic backdrop that feels like a step back in time.
Directions: R93 XN24. From Dublin – through the town of Tullow onto the Bunclody Road N81. Turn right after the Topaz petrol station, on the outskirts of the town. Turn right at the next cross roads – the gardens are 550m on the right hand side.
Type of event: This event takes place indoors and includes an opportunity to explore Hardymount Gardens at your leisure either before or after the talk.
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