Keeping It Country – The James and Joe Garden Show at Arboretum
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.
Venue: Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow R93 P9F4
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Admission: €30
Type of event: Indoors with opportunity to view Arboretum Inspirational Gardens.
5 – 7 p.m. Enjoy two course buffet meal with tea/coffee in Rachel’s Garden Choice of three main courses and choice from the dessert counter - €24.95.
Enjoy late shopping in Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven until 9.45 p.m.
Ticket options
Enjoy Great Weekend at Carlow Garden Festival!
Get €10 discount and enjoy four brilliant talks with famous gardeners on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th July 2026.
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.
Venue: Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow R93 P9F4
Time: 7.30 p.m.
Admission: €30
Type of event: Indoors with opportunity to view Arboretum Inspirational Gardens.
5 – 7 p.m. Enjoy two course buffet meal with tea/coffee in Rachel’s Garden Choice of three main courses and choice from the dessert counter - €24.95.
Enjoy late shopping in Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven until 9.45 p.m.
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