GreenTouch Outdoor Advisory

GreenTouch Outdoor Advisory Helping homeowners make better outdoor decisions before they spend money. Backed by 25 years of landscape & horticultural experience across Ireland.

22/08/2026

Oil tanks are practical, but they don’t have to dominate your garden.

Here we’re using Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) to create a natural screen. With clay soil and ground that can get waterlogged, it’s a good fit for the conditions.

Planting during the dormant season using bare-root or root-balled plants can also save you hundreds compared with buying mature container-grown hedging.

Always allow suitable access and clearance around your oil tank and burner for filling, inspection and maintenance.

Think before you spend.

17/08/2026

Have you ever spotted this mill wheel in Bantry, West Cork?

It’s beside Bantry Library, which was built directly on the site of the former Bantry Woollen and Flour Mills. Today the mill wheel makes a great water feature, with a lovely willow tree sitting just in front of it.

It looks like the water is naturally powering the wheel, but it’s actually electrically driven.

A good reminder with water features at home too. Pumps, filters, electricity and ongoing running costs all need to be considered, not just the looks. 💧🌿

15/08/2026

Patio Build Up Mistake

If there’s already hardcore on the ground after your build, but you still need to raise the level considerably, don’t be tempted to use excess topsoil from the site to make up the difference.

Putting topsoil over the hardcore and then adding more hardcore on top might look like a cheap way to build up the foundation, but it can cause serious problems later.

The soil can settle and move, leaving you with a patio that starts to sink, become uneven or suffer from subsidence.

Use the right material for the build up from the start. It will save you a much more expensive repair later.

GardenPlanning HomeImprovement IrishHomes GardenIdeas GreenTouch

14/08/2026

Future Forests in Kealkill, West Cork, just outside Bantry, is celebrating 40 years this year.

I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and it’s still an absolute goldmine. From the planting and natural materials to the coffee shop, there’s inspiration everywhere you look.

The colour at the moment is fantastic, with rudbeckia, hydrangeas, verbena and salvias all putting on a show.

This place is just magical. If you’re in West Cork, it’s well worth a visit, rain or shine.

PlantLovers GardenDesign WestCorkIreland GreenTouch

13/08/2026

I love Verbena bonariensis. It’s such an easy plant to grow, with a light, delicate structure that moves beautifully in the wind.

The bees absolutely love it too, and even when the flowers fade, the seed heads still look great through autumn as they turn brown.

A simple plant that gives you months of interest. 🌿🐝

PollinatorFriendly BeeFriendly AutumnGarden IrishGardens GardenInspiration GreenTouch

11/08/2026

Simple planting doesn't have to be boring. Repeating just a few reliable plants can create months of colour with very little effort.

Here I'm using Lythrum salicaria and Eryngium planum. These two upright perennials work brilliantly together, especially in narrower beds. They're also coping really well with the current dry conditions.

What are your favourite plants for keeping colour going through the summer? 🌸🐝

GardenInspiration GardenIdeas PollinatorFriendly Lythrum Eryngium LandscapeDesign GreenTouch

10/08/2026

Bindweed… the absolute curse of the garden.

I only cleared all of this last week and it’s already back again. We’ve had one of the driest summers on record. Lawns are burnt, plants are struggling for water, and somehow the bindweed is still flying along like nothing happened.

Once it gets established, it gets absolutely everywhere, through shrubs, flowers, fences, tree ferns, you name it.

If you’ve ever had to deal with bindweed, you’ll know exactly why I’m sick of the bloody stuff. 😂

Margaret, on the other hand, couldn’t care less.

09/08/2026

A budget wildflower garden can look incredible when it's in full flower, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

If your garden has a larger area that isn't overlooked, a wildflower meadow is a great low-maintenance option. It only needs one cut a year, supports bees, butterflies and other wildlife, and adds real biodiversity to your garden. Mixing areas of wildflower meadow with mown grass creates a natural, beautiful landscape that's both practical and easy to maintain.

Just don't forget the groundwork. Installing a geotextile between the soil and hardcore helps prevent the soil from migrating over time and protects the layers underneath.

Follow for more practical outdoor advice to help you make better outdoor decisions.

09/08/2026

North-Facing Front Door Parking

Every site is different. Some homes might only have space for one car, while others can accommodate several. The important thing is to plan your layout early so the space works for your lifestyle.

Think about where your cars will park, whether you'll need an EV charger in the future, where visitors and delivery vehicles will stop, and whether there's enough room to safely unload shopping, children and buggies.

A well-planned layout now can save a lot of inconvenience later.

08/08/2026

Save money before you spend it.

One of the biggest hidden costs after a new build is removing material that's already on site.

With a bit of planning, existing topsoil and subsoil can often be reused to create level lawns, natural boundary mounds, extra privacy and shelter, while reducing waste and keeping costs under control.

Every site is different, but thinking ahead can save you thousands.

Address

Dundrum, Dublin 14
Dublin

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30pm
Friday 8am - 5:30pm

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+353876961018

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