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.
The second part of the evening brings a light and entertaining style, as Joe and James turn their attention to The James and Joe Garden Show podcast. Known for its humour, honesty and down-to-earth take on all things gardening, they share some of their favourite moments and top gardening takeaways from the show. Expect plenty of laughs along the way, as well as useful advice, practical tips, design highlights and reflections on the changing trends in gardening today. Blending expertise with entertainment, this part of the evening offers a chance to see Joe and James at their most relaxed and engaging, bringing the spirit of their podcast to life on stage.
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 Choice of three main courses and choice from the dessert counter.
About Joe Swift
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’
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 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.
Explore More at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven
Make the most of the evening by exploring the beautifully designed Inspirational Gardens at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven in Leighlinbridge. These award-winning gardens are a celebration of colour, creativity and clever planting — designed to stimulate the senses and offer ideas that are both beautiful and low maintenance. From vibrant seasonal displays to tranquil water features and themed garden rooms, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat and the perfect prelude to your festival evening.
Take time to experience the many other attractions Arboretum has to offer. Discover the latest trends in the stylish fashion boutique, explore the wellness area with carefully curated lifestyle and self-care products, and browse the elegant kitchen and homeware section for inspiration. Garden lovers will appreciate the extensive plant sales area, where expert advice and quality plants go hand-in-hand. Arboretum is open until 9.30 p.m.
Before the talk starts at 7.30 p.m. make sure to treat yourself to the delicious meal at Rachel’s Garden Cafe? And as the sun sets, take your seat for an engaging evening of horticultural conversation!
Evening meal at Rachel’s Garden Cafe
Enjoy a two course buffet meal with tea/coffee in Rachel’s Garden Cafe. Choice of three main courses and choice from the dessert counter.
Menu:
Chicken Wrapped in smoked bacon w/ wild mushroom sauce
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