My Journey to 19 RHS Chelsea Medals with Sarah Eberle

With an extraordinary record of 19 RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals to her name, Sarah shares the story of her remarkable journey through the world’s most prestigious gardening event.

Sarah’s career spans over 40 years. During this period, she has become renowned for her innovative, sustainable and beautifully crafted designs. In this engaging talk, she reveals the challenges, triumphs and lessons learned over decades of competing at Chelsea. The talk offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the intense creative process required to produce award-winning show gardens.

Sarah began exhibiting at RHS Chelsea with a garden on Main Avenue. Since then, she has created award-winning designs across almost every garden category from artisan and sanctuary gardens to major show gardens and exhibits in the Grand Pavilion. Her talk takes the audience on a journey through the joys and pressures of Chelsea revealing the creativity, challenges and determination behind the medals – and the near misses. Alongside behind-the-scenes stories, she’ll offer insights that every gardener – from beginner to seasoned enthusiast – can take home and try for themselves.

Sarah also reflects on how design trends and horticultural practices have evolved over her career. Full of personal stories and design inspiration, this talk will appeal to beginner and enthusiastic gardeners. Sarah’s practical experience, engaging style and deep knowledge of garden design will make this a highly informative and enjoyable session.

Sarah is listed as one of the top 50 garden designers in the UK by House and Garden magazine. Her naturalistic landscapes reflect her deep love for nature and the countryside. Raised on a smallholding in Devon, she brings both passion and practicality to her work, which has earned her numerous accolades, including the BALI Grand Award and Society of Garden Designers Community Space Award.

This talk takes place indoors and includes admission to the Lace Garden at Borris House.

Listed as one of the top 50 garden designers in the UK by House and Garden magazine, Sarah’s naturalistic landscapes reflect her deep love for nature and the countryside. Raised on a smallholding in Devon, she brings both passion and practicality to her work, which has earned her numerous accolades. Having won more Chelsea gold medals than any other garden designer, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Garden Designers and recognition as an RHS Iconic Horticultural Hero, Sarah has an exceptional track record. Projects include public and private spaces worldwide.

There’s lots more to discover at Borris House during your visit.

The Lace Garden which is set within the walls of the original laundry green illustrates the fascinating story of Borris Lace and Lady Harriet Kavanagh through its predominantly white colour palette, lace inspired flowers, sculptures and stylised planting.

You can also enjoy a guided tour of Borris House either before or after the talk with Sarah Eberle. The ancestral home of the McMorrough Kavanaghs, Kings of Leinster, Borris House is one of the most beautiful Irish country houses with a rich history spanning centuries.  Borris House became the Kavanagh’s primary residence in 1570. Over time, the present-day Borris demesne landscape slowly evolved from a formal Baroque landscape of axial approach avenues and formal gardens, to a demesne parkland landscape. Serpentine avenues were designed to capture views and prospects with lawns, tree plantations and a circular road around the perimeter. There are hundreds of years of history to unravel and the opportunity to hear about some of the family’s most interesting ancestors including Arthur McMorrough Kavanagh and his mother Lady Harriet.

Explore the grounds of the estate taking in Mount Leinster, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley; views that have been preserved by the family for centuries. Stroll along the woodland paths, enjoy some of the beautiful specimen trees, view the original Stew Pond and on your way take in the original Victorian laundry, the recently restored granary and the 18th century Ice House.

The Store at Borris House sells local crafts, jewellery, ceramics, leather goods and textiles and is located at the front gate entrance. Open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

If you’re looking for a tasty lunch option make sure to pre-book the Step House Hotel on T:059-9773209 E: info@stephousehotel.ie. Standing immediately across the road from the front entrance to Borris House this stylish boutique property places strong emphasis on seasonal, local and artisan ingredients. Lunch menu is served from Thursday to Sunday in Brasserie 1808 from 12.30 – 4 p.m.