“Exciting times are ahead at SOLAS Garden Centre as they gear up for a flurry of activities this spring. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, lovebirds can indulge in hand-selected hampers, organic wine, flower bouquets, and more. Plus, cozy up with freshly baked treats in their heated courtyard and capture the moment with a Valentine’s-themed photobooth.
But the spotlight truly shines on the horizon with the inaugural SOLAS Garden Festival, set to bloom on March 2nd and 3rd. Co-owner John Carey expresses his enthusiasm, promising a line up of horticulture experts and gardening aficionados. ‘’This event promises a wealth of inspiration, with show gardens, planting demonstrations, workshops, and even a plant swap event. Expect a bustling food market, craft stalls, and engaging activities for all ages’’.
Stay tuned as we bring you weekly updates on this blossoming festival, right here on Laois Today. With esteemed speakers like Paul Smyth and Mary Keenan gracing the stage, it’s an unmissable opportunity for plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Spring into action and join SOLAS for a weekend of green-thumb delights!”
Some events are free, and some talks are €15. If you want to book a slot at one of the upcoming talks or workshops see the following link: https://ecogardenshop.ie/events/
Upcoming Events
SUNDAY 11th FEB
Valentines Craft Market
Vintage and Craft Market will be decked out in Valentines Day charm. Explore this curated selection of vintage finds and handmade crafts perfect for finding that one of a kind Valentines Day gift
For more see here: https://ecogardenshop.ie/farmers-markets/
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
Looking for something freshly made, served all day and with toppings of your choice? We got you covered: our fluffy American style pancakes, made with locally supplied buttermilk from Village Dairy, our milk supplier and member of Laois Taste, have them with maple, bacon, homemade fruit compote or chocolate spread.
And don’t forget that our burgers are back in for the weekends, pick between halloumi vegetarian or beef burger made with beef mince from award winner Bob’s Butcher Abbeyleix, available in our Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning.
Solas heated Courtyard open daily Monday – Friday 10-4pm and weekends10-5pm.
Product of the Week @ SOLAS
Now 20% off This week: Made from Recycled Materials the Florus Raised Bed is ideal for growing earlier & healthier crops. Great For Growing Vegetables, Herbs & Salads, available in black or green.
Sturdy & strong design for gardening without the back strain.
Makes growing your own salad & herbs easy for your kitchen garden or you could plant up with bedding & flowering plants
Plant of the Week @ SOLAS
Pussy Willow
We have the lovely pussy willow, Salix gracilistyla “Mount Aso” in stock now in our outdoor plants section.
This is a compact variety is upright and bushy. It produces beautiful pink catkins on the bare stems in early spring.
When planted in full sun and moist, rich soil, it thrives and has green leaves that are delightfully silvery underneath.
SOLAS Weather
What’s that coming over the hill? Its sunshine! That’s right. The sun is back and its coming to Solas this weekend. Spring into action. Wellies on, trowel in hand – it is officially gardening season. See you all 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
