Laois garden designer launches budding gardener campaign

Laois gardener Brian Burke has joined in launching Woodie's yearly 'Budding Gardeners' competition.

The Killenard-based designer, he has garnered numerous medals at Bloom festivals over the years and his presence on RTÉ's Super Garden has also made him a familiar face on our screens.

This year's Budding Gardeners theme is "The Power of Plants" which aims to educate children on the crucial role plants play in our world, supported by in-store events with Woodie's garden expert, Brian Burke. For 2024, both schools and families are being asked to Plant a Patch to be in with the chance of winning a cash prize of €1,000.

Brian will choose the overall winner with ten runners-up who will each take home a €250 Woodie's gift card.

"Woodie's Budding Gardeners is one of the highlights of my year and I always look forward to the bright floral gardens and innovative ideas from children across Ireland," said Brian. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"I'm always so impressed by the level and standard of the projects! Woodie's Budding Gardeners is great fun and it's a brilliant way to encourage children to learn more about the power of plants. This year, I'll be looking out for patches from families at home and classes at schools that showcase the fun they had while planting their patch and learning all about this year's theme, The Power of Plants. Best of luck to all the green-fingered Budding Gardeners, and I look forward to seeing all your amazing work," he said.

Throughout the Woodie's Budding Gardeners campaign, children will be encouraged to learn about "The Power of Plants" and unleash the superpowers that plants have, like supplying food and clean fresh air, or helping our pollinators with their important work. Everything the Budding Gardeners need to get started is available online, and some fun activities too, at www.woodies.ie/budding-gardeners

To sign up for this year's Woodie's Budding Gardeners competition, see www.woodies.ie/budding-gardener