Plant-tastic

IT'S Day Two of the Irish Daily Star's Home and Gardens Week as we take a look at the latest in outdoor decor. Today SEAN MURPHY speaks to ★Woodie's garden expert Brian Burke, who has his ear to the ground on the biggest trends.

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GARDEN expert Brian Burke always has his eye on upcoming trends in the Irish garden.

From the latest interests and styles to the rise in popularity of decking, landscape contractor and designer Brian shared his expertise on how to make your garden green this summer.

He said: "One of the big changes I see is the recent escalation in the level of mainstream interest and knowledge around the ecological aspects of gardening.

"People are planting more native species of shrubs and trees and more mixed planting to represent all the different plant types available to us.

"There's definitely a surge in more pollinator-friendly planting and naturalised water features to attract insects, birds and wildlife.

"There is also an increased interest in water collection and harvesting and more growing of herbs and edibles.

DYNAMIC

"All of this is contributing to a more dynamic, lighter touch, lower impact, less carbon heavy approach to garden makeovers.