Show Five Episode Synopsis. TX Thursday 23rd May 8.30 RTÉ ONE
The Under Dogs Garden, Knocklyon, Co. Dublin
Show 5 : TX Thursday 23rd May RTÉ ONE 8.30 pm
Tonight in the penultimate episode of Super Garden 2019 we meet the last of our five budding designers battling it out to secure a coveted show-garden spot at Ireland’s premier garden festival, Bloom 2019.
Our final Designer Gráinne Walsh is no design novice, she’s worked as a Fashion Designer for over 30 years. Gráinne didn’t enter the competition with any old design, she wants to create a show stopping garden fit for dogs! She’ll have 4 weeks to build her ‘Under Dogs Garden’ for homeowner Aileen McDonnell in Knocklyon, Co. Dublin before our judges arrive to see if Gráinne is in fact, ‘best in show’!
Designer: Gráinne Walsh (52), Chapelizod, Co. Dublin
Occupation: Fashion Designer and Consultant
As a child Gráinne entered Texaco Art Competitions and her competitive streak has pushed her in many different directions throughout her career. Gráinne prides herself at being a Jack-of-all-trades and is able to adapt well to the ever changing world of design. Gráinne started working as a set designer a few years ago. She also bought and opened her own studio in Chapelizod called ‘Grey Area’ which she renovated and decorated herself. A devoted animal lover, Gráinne often comes home with lost dogs she finds in the Phoenix Park. The ones she can’t reunite with owners or re-home tend to become part of her fury family. Currently she has four rescue dogs and they are the love of her life.
In late 2016 Gráinne discovered a lump on her left breast, after a biopsy she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and had to undergo chemotherapy where she lost all her hair. Follow up tests revealed the cancer spread to the lymph nodes under her left arm and they had to be removed. She is currently cancer free although she is taking medication to prevent the cancer returning. Due to this Gráinne suffers from mild lymphedema but it doesn’t hold her back. Gráinne is hoping her unique design will prove to the judges that you don’t have to choose between your dog and beautiful garden.
Homeowner: Aileen McDonnell (52), Knocklyon, Co. Dublin
Aileen only moved into her home 2 ½ years ago with children Rachel (23) & Joseph (20).
They also have two dogs, Mossy a 10 year old Labrador & Dexter, an 8 year old lab/pointer, both of which are rescue dogs. Animal lover Rachel is in her final year in UCD studying veterinary medicine while Joseph is in 3rd year in Trinity College studying computer science and business. The family moved into the house in 2016 but they haven’t had the time or money to do anything with the garden. Now the deck is a rotten and crumbling hazard, they’ve had chair legs go straight through and Aileen has even taken a fall or two on it in rainy weather. Aileen loves gardening, and is so excited at the thought of being able to help out with the build and learn lots of new gardening tips and tricks. The whole McDonnell family, including Mossy and Dexter believe Gráinne’s design has to go to Bloom
Design: The Under Dogs Garden
Gráinne’s Super Garden entry is full of dog friendly features that enhance without dominating the landscape of the garden. She wants her garden to reflect her eclectic tastes, styles and her love of animals. The inspiration for her design came from her own rescue dogs and a recent visit to gardens in Marrakech. Gráinne’s colour palette of red clay, white and green will give the garden a Moroccan vibe. Planting in pots and raised beds will be used to keep out of temptation from curious pooches. Gravel will also be used to discourage the dogs from ‘hanging out’ in lower flower beds. An elevated rockery area will provide camouflage for a secret doggy tunnel complete with a light shaft for dropping treats.
For warm days Gráinne has designed a cool down area with a pooch plunge pool, a pimped out two storey kennel and a doggy dome for some chill out time. She’s also created a composting/waste recycling area for the dogs to do their business and benefit the garden. Gráinne has designed elevated areas to allow the dogs to keep watch and seating areas for the humans of the house to relax in. A fashion wall can be used as a projection screen at night time. Gráinne hopes the Super Garden judges don’t think her ‘Under Dogs Garden’ is barking up the wrong tree!