Series 7, EP4 – Floris Wagemakers
Tuam Show
In episode four, Floris Wagemakers takes over Kathryn Burke’s garden in Tuam, County Galway. The brief for Floris was to create a garden which single parent Kathryn and daughter Chelsea can use as they have never used before. While also creating an area in the garden dedicated to the memory of Kathryn’s late Mother.
Kathryn’s Mother, Kitty passed away a few years ago and left her a little bit of money to make over the garden, however with funeral costs and other bills that came in and Kathryn had no money leftover to fulfil her mother’s wishes, Super Garden is now giving this busy mum of one her garden.
The garden makeovers are courtesy of the show sponsors; Woodie’s and Cuprinol (Paints – part of Dulux Brand)
Floris Wagemakersthe budding garden desinger
Designer: Floris Wagemakers (37) Galway – Dutch.
Married with two children 8 & 10, Floris is a chef who has a Falafel stall in the Galway Market. He attended and completed a VEC course in Permaculture Garden Design and he is a keen vegetable grower. He would love to design a garden that incorporates as many plants as possible without being intrusive but with a practical and edible planting scheme. Floris believes he can bring his love of the Mediterranean to Tuam.
A garden entitled ‘Everyone deserves a Holiday’.
Floris’ garden is an ode to life, Kathryne’s (homeowner) deceased Mother adopted Kathryne when she was a baby and cared for her as her own. The garden is made in memory of her, in the middle of the garden is a magnolia tree that represents Kathryne’s mother as it was her favourite tree.
In our busy lives it’s very easy to forget to relax and compliment ourselves on what we have achieved in life. When we work hard to pay the bills and make sure that everyone in the family gets the opportunities they deserve it’s very easy to forget to take a holiday and it might not always be possible due to financial circumstances. The space that Floris created transfers you to a different place and makes you feel that you’re away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a great space to entertain and have a party in, while also providing plenty of herbs and fruit, this gives a sense of abundance and well-being. Furthermore the space will attract lots of benificial insects and bees as Floris strongly belives our suburban gardens are the key to survival for many of these species due to our current agricultural practices, which result in loss of bio-diversity in the country-side.
Floris is bringing a piece of the Medittereanean to the middle of Tuam.
The Homeowners
The Burke Family.
Single Mum, Kathryn (46) and daughter Chelsea (17) are from Tuam, County Galway. Kathryn works in Boston Scientific and Chelsea is in her final year at school studying for her Leaving Cert. Kathryn was born in Dublin and was put up for adoption. She was adopted by Kevin and Kitty Burke who brought her back to the West of Ireland to start her new life. Kathryn is a volunteer with the Local Cat Rescue Group and she likes noting better than cooking Italian food.
Chelsea is involved with the Order of Malta in Tuam, she also loves public speaking and has come second place twice with her school in All Ireland competition.