This week, SOLAS Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington saw resounding success with its bustling car boot sale, drawing over 3000 attendees in search of bargains and hidden gems.
Under clear skies, the event marked SOLAS’s most triumphant sale yet, leaving Events Manager Georgina Carey thrilled with the turnout.
“We were delighted with the turnout for our car boot sale, with happy punters all around – a truly successful and joyful event,” expressed Carey, setting the stage for the next anticipated sale scheduled for April 14th.
As excitement mounts, SOLAS gears up for its inaugural garden festival, a unique endeavor for Laois and a welcome addition to the area’s calendar.
Co-owner John Carey highlights the richness of the region’s gardening culture, citing its remarkable public gardens and talented horticulturists. With the launch of the garden festival, SOLAS aims to thrust Laois and Offaly onto the garden tours map.
This weekend promises an enriching experience for visitors at SOLAS, with a lineup featuring esteemed speakers such as Plantsman Paul Smyth, wildflower expert Sandro Cafolla, and multifaceted gardener and artist TJ Maher. Attendees can also partake in engaging gardening demonstrations, explore food and craft markets, participate in a plant swap, and avail themselves of enticing plant discounts.
SOLAS Eco Garden Centre emerges as a vibrant hub of activity, offering not only an opportunity for locals to indulge in gardening delights but also positioning itself as a destination for enthusiasts and visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and knowledge of horticulture.
You can book Tj Mahers 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
You can book Sandro Cafolla talk here: https://www.thegardenshop.ie/how-to-grow/
You can book Paul Smyth talk here: https://www.thegardenshop.ie/garden-talk/
For all other events and workshop see the following link: www.ecogardenshop.ie/events/
Upcoming Events
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 2nd & 3rd MARCH
SOLAS Garden Festival.
Get ready for a blooming good time at the SOLAS Garden Festival!
Join us on March 2nd and 3rd for a weekend filled with gardening experts, hands on workshops, plant discounts and much more.
Book your talks here. Free voucher for all attendees. https://www.thegardenshop.ie/workshops/
SATURDAY 2nd MARCH
Join Eve at SOLAS for a journey towards self-discovery and balance at our upcoming Chakra Alignment Workshop.
To register or for more information, contact Eve on 087 6695717. Every Saturday 4-5pm
SATURDAY 2nd MARCH
Farmers’ Market 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
SUNDAY 10th MARCH
Mother’s day afternoon Tea.
Indulge in pure luxury this Mother’s Day with Afternoon Tea at SOLAS. Let us pamper you and your mum.
As you unwind in our Vintage lounge, savouring delightful treats and creating cherished moments together.
Book online now https://www.thegardenshop.ie/afternoon-tea/
Food @ SOLAS
In Solas food courtyard we are always busy trying to bring new cakes, baked goods, or hot specials, for every occasion or weekend. For this busy weekend we are welcoming you to come try our chicken and mushroom vol-au vent, served with chips or mash, including a drink for a very special price.
For those in no rush our most loved Irish beef burger, locally supplied from Bob’s butcher Abbeyleix, is on the menu along with the most delicious Grilled Halloumi vegetarian burger….yum.
Solas Heated Courtyard open daily Monday – Friday 10-4pm and weekends 10-5pm, last food order 30 minutes before closing.
Product of the Week @ SOLAS
Deals at SOLAS this week will continue as their garden festival takes place. You can get a bargain now in all departments with early bird deals on garden furniture and BBQs. Also for those green fingered get 20% off seed potatoes and raised beds, 30% off spring bulbs and polytunnels and 40% off selected feeds and fertilisers
Plant of the Week @ SOLAS
A fabulous houseplant the Monstera is a real showstopper with it’s large, deeply fenestrated leaves.
It is super easy to care for, likes indirect, bright light to thrive and plenty of space top spread it’s wings.
Here in Solas indoor plant area, we have some lovely specimens and our experts are more than happy to help you choose the perfect Monstera for your space.
SOLAS Weather Full sun is forecast for the weekend ahead. Saturday is to see blue skies above whilst Sunday will be more overcast but on the whole it will be a dry start to March.