Buds & Blossoms Set to Bloom as the Showcase Event of the Laois Garden Festival 2026
Garden lovers from all across Ireland set to descend on Spink, Co. Laois
Garden lovers from across Ireland are set to descend on Spink, Co. Laois on Sunday 7th June as Buds & Blossoms returns as the showcase event of the wider Laois Garden Festival 2026.
Now firmly established as one of the Midlands’ premier gardening events, Buds & Blossoms promises a vibrant day filled with expert talks, specialist growers, rare plants, live demonstrations, music, food, family entertainment and some of the finest garden nurseries and suppliers in the country. The event begins at 12pm and celebrates the growing reputation of Laois as a destination for gardening enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors.
Visitors can expect one of the largest selections of unusual plants available at any one venue in Ireland on a single day, alongside gardening inspiration from a stellar lineup of speakers and exhibitors.
The lineup includes culinary educator and chef Edward Hayden, along with host of RTE’s Ear To The Ground, Darragh McCullough, and Ciarán Fitzgerald, Head Gardener at Johnstown Castle Estate, whose work focuses on biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices. Also among this year’s highlights is a special cut flower talk and demonstration from Theresa Bennett of Willowfields Cut Flowers.
Buds & Blossoms forms the centrepiece of the broader Laois Garden Festival weekend, with five unique garden and nature events taking place across the county on Saturday 6th June.
At Ballintubbert House & Gardens in Stradbally, visitors can enjoy guided garden tours, vintage cars and refreshments throughout the day. Hazelbrook Gardens will host a fresh floral bouquet demonstration, while Gortnalee Gardens will offer a special “Make Your Own Willow Harlequin” workshop celebrating traditional craft and creativity.
Nature lovers can also explore Rockview Woodland Walkways on a guided meditation and nature walk through the scenic woodlands, while Gash Gardens in Castletown will host a special bee-themed event in association with Dunamaise Beekeepers, including an informative talk and guided walk focused on pollinators and biodiversity.
Together, the events form a countywide celebration of gardening, nature, sustainability and outdoor living, offering something for everyone — from experienced gardeners to families simply looking for a wonderful day out.
Organisers say the festival continues to grow year on year thanks to the enthusiasm of visitors, exhibitors and the wider gardening community.
“Buds & Blossoms has become much more than a gardening event,” organisers said. “It’s a celebration of community, creativity, biodiversity and the joy people get from gardens and nature. The wider Laois Garden Festival allows visitors to experience some truly special places throughout the county before coming together in Spink on Sunday for the main showcase event.”
Tickets and full festival details are available at: laoisgardenfestival.com
Supported by:
Government of Ireland | Our Rural Future | The European Union | Laois Partnership Company | Laois Co. Co.
