This week in Portarlington, Co Laois, all eyes are on the thriving garden centre at SOLAS, which continues to capture the community’s imagination.
Following the success of last week’s Valentine’s Craft and Vintage Market, where love was palpable amidst the bustling atmosphere, co-owner John Carey expressed his delight: “Our craft and vintage markets at Solas are gaining momentum each week, attracting a diverse crowd eager to explore local, handmade treasures.”
The event saw a packed car park and delighted customers browsing through an array of artisanal crafts, gifts, and delectable chocolates. Notably, the Valentine’s-themed photo booth emerged as a favourite among couples, families, and even dog enthusiasts. As anticipation builds for the upcoming Solas Garden Festival, excitement mounts with a line-up of gardening events promising inspiration and education.
Stay tuned for the weekend’s timetable of activities, ensuring a blooming start to the season for gardening enthusiasts.
This coming weekend promises an array of delights for visitors to Solas. With dry weather forecasted, Sunday’s car boot event beckons with treasures waiting to be discovered. From vintage finds to household essentials, there’s something for everyone amidst the bustling stalls.
Additionally, indulge in delectable treats from local vendors and enjoy live music performances throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all to relish. As the sun shines down on Portarlington, the car boot offers a perfect opportunity to explore, socialize, and uncover hidden gems.
Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or simply seeking a leisurely Sunday outing, the car boot extravaganza at Solas guarantees an enjoyable experience for all. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of community camaraderie and exciting discoveries amidst the charming backdrop of Portarlington
Excitement for the Solas Garden Festival is further amplified by the inclusion of gardening artist TJ Maher. His latest book, “Grounded in the Garden,” promises to captivate garden enthusiasts and will soon be available for purchase at SOLAS.
During the festival, TJ will share insights from his book in a themed talk titled “Grounded in the Garden: An Artist’s Guide to Creating a Beautiful Garden in Harmony with Nature.”
Attendees can look forward to a captivating slideshow presentation and an interactive Q&A session, offering invaluable wisdom for cultivating gardens that resonate with the natural world. Maher’s expertise adds a unique dimension to the festival, enriching the experience for all attendees and reinforcing Solas as the ultimate destination for gardening inspiration and knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the artistry of gardening with TJ Maher at Solas Garden Festival.
You can book TJ Maher’s talk here: https://www.thegardenshop.ie/gardening-workshop/
Whilst the tickets are €10 you will get a €10 voucher to spend in the garden centre. So really, its free!!
Other speakers for the weekend include: Paul Smyth of Bellefield House and Garden, Earth buddy Eoin composting guru, Sandro Caffola of Design by Nature and Mark Hurst of Feather Field Farm
For all other events and workshop see the following link: www.ecogardenshop.ie/events/
Upcoming Events
SUNDAY 18th FEB
Car Boot Sale
10am | Public entry fee: €2
If its time to declutter the attic, shed or store and you want to book a place at our next car boot sale contact George: events@thegardenshop.ie Or book your space here: https://www.thegardenshop.ie/car-boot-sale/
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 2nd & 3rd MARCH
SOLAS Garden Festival.
This will be the first year of the SOLAS Garden Festival and plans are underway for an action packed weekend of events, deals, guest speakers, garden demonstrations, plant swaps, food stalls and events and fun for kids. Lots more to follow over the coming weeks
Contact Georgina 0830452810 for more details
For more on events see here: https://ecogardenshop.ie/events/
Farmers’ Market Saturday 11am – 4pm
Our famers market will return on Saturday. We will have all your favourites including local meat, organic vegetables, delicious hand made cakes, fresh bread, honey and fish
Food @ SOLAS
For this weekend we are bringing our staff’s favourite special: Chicken tikka with mango chutney and rocket focaccia, served with chips and any drink for only €10. For those in a rush to get to the car boot sale we have the grab and go options, salad bowls and ready-made sambos so you won’t miss the great buzz.
All this and many more daily in our heated Food Courtyard open Monday to Friday 10-4pm and weekends 10-5pm.
Product of the Week @ SOLAS
Now 30% off This week: Premium Walk in Greenhouse – Premium polytunnel
Pop in and select from our large range of walk-in zipped greenhouses and polytunnels
Great entry level polytunnels for all levels of gardeners.
Suitable to grow a huge range of fruits, vegetables, salads or flowering plants all year round.
These tunnels are great for starting vegetables early in the season
Up to 30% of selected models in store now!
Plant of the Week @ SOLAS
Angel Wings
Senecio Candidans or Angel Wings Stunning, soft, suede-like, silvery foliage – a real show stopper! Can be planted directly into the ground but is just as suited to containers where they can be placed at a higher level to really appreciate its beauty. Plant in free draining compost and protect from hard rains and severe frost.
SOLAS Weather
Mixed conditions this weekend coming. So light rain likely on Friday. But dry weather for Saturday and Sunday meaning you can enjoy another fun weekend for all the family at SOLAS
Join us for a special weekend at SOLAS Eco Garden Centre, situated in Portarlington, Co. Laois R32 RPX8. We extend a warm invitation to visit us daily from 10 am to 6 pm. We can’t wait to welcome you!
SEE ALSO – Check out the Solas Eco Garden Centre website here
