We sat down with Ireland’s leading garden designer Leonie Cornelius to get some tips on how to make your garden bloom!
As we move into the brighter days of summer, many of us feel the pull to get back to nature—even if it’s just outside our door. Whether you’ve got a tiny courtyard, balcony, or windowsill to play with, there’s huge potential in small garden spaces.
It’s all about working smart with what you have, embracing creativity, and connecting with the world around you- so if you’re looking to start adding vibrancy and beauty to your space… Where do you start?
Well, the first thing is finding inspiration.
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Last year, we had the chance to explore this idea in a big way—ironically, in a very small space. At Bord Bia Bloom, we created Óir – The Zarbee’s Garden, a compact balcony garden designed for Zarbee’s. The aim? To bring wildness back into everyday life. The garden celebrated pollinators and biodiversity by weaving nectar-rich planting and pollinator-friendly species into an imagined urban setting. It proved that even a balcony can become a pocket of wild nature—something truly magical, right in the heart of the city.
So how can you bring that same feeling into your own small garden this summer?
Invite wildlife in
Even in the tiniest space, you can create a haven for pollinators. Choose nectar-rich plants like lavender, thyme, or calendula to attract bees and butterflies.
Let herbs flower (and seed head later in the year!) avoid chemical sprays at all costs, and get creative for birds and insects—add little touches such as bee baths or bug hotels. These small actions can turn your balcony or patio into a buzzing sanctuary—and connect you to the rhythms of the natural world.
Make it personal
Don’t feel pressure to follow trends—think about what you want your space to feel like. What colours bring you joy? Which plants remind you of home or happy places?
Pick materials and shapes that speak to you. Whether it’s soft stone pots, a splash of golden yellow, or plants with scent memories attached, anchoring your garden in personal meaning makes it more than just pretty—it becomes part of your daily experience.
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Think vertically and flexibly
Use your vertical space— hang baskets, stack pots, or install trellises for climbing plants like roses or jasmine. You can also think about choosing multi-functional furniture or foldable pieces to make the most of a small area. Plants like strawberries, nasturtiums or trailing tomatoes can tumble from railings, combining beauty and bounty.
So this summer, no matter how small your space, make it count. Let it reflect you, and let it welcome nature in.
For more ideas and inspiration, visit www.leoniecornelius.com