Learning Theatre – Free Talks
In the dynamic landscape of our industry, 2024 brings both challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the sector. Announcing the Learning Theatre lineup at this year’s GLAS, proudly supported by Bord Bia. Featuring talks from leading experts on some of the hottest topics in our industry.
An update on the Horticulture Apprenticeships in Teagasc
Presented by John Mulhern, Teagasc
Presented by Niall McCauley (Niall Gardens)
12pm – 12.30pm
IPSOS Bord Bia Value of the Garden Market 2023 Report
Presented by Shauna Lyndsay & Michal Slawski, Bord Bia
Presented by Nicola Haines, Tierney Haines Architects and Ingrid Smyth, Ingrid Smyth Garden Design & Chairperson of the Garden Landscape Designers Association (GLDA)
This show garden was directly linked to new design guidance for building developers demonstrating how biodiversity can be incorporated into housing developments. The design managed rainwater using sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), while also catering for tree and shrub planting, wildflower meadows, nesting facilities in building facades, green roofs, dead wood, and natural play. The show garden claimed 5 prizes in total, including a Gold medal, Best in large category and a Special award for sustainability.
Nicola works as a landscape designer with Tierney Haines Architects. She works on all scale of public, commercial and private projects, as well as community-based and educational gardens. An enthusiastic member of the Garden Landscape Design Association (GLDA), she is passionate about connecting people to nature through design. Nicola has won numerous awards at Bord Bia Bloom, including a gold medal and Best in Category award for her Citroën Power of One garden last year.
Ingrid Smyth Garden Design (ISGD) is a design and plant focused service. Her past experience in design was honed as a designer and company associate with a prominent Architectural Firm and her continued passion for plants and materials constantly informs the work she does. Ingrid has designed and constructed private gardens of all sizes, gardens for residential care homes and commercial projects. She is the current Chairperson of the GLDA.
2pm – 2.45pm
Beyond Peat – Panel Discussion
While the Irish horticultural industry fully appreciates the environmental importance of Irish peatlands it is still grappling with a peat crisis. The sudden cessation of harvesting in 2021 of high quality Irish peat, traditionally used in growing media for plant production, necessitating a shift to more sustainable alternatives.
The horticulture sector is actively exploring alternatives to peat as a growing medium, with materials such as wood-based products, green compost, coir and others emerging as options under consideration.
Moderator
Anna Kavanagh, Horticultural Expert and former Head of Technical, Quality and Research Development with Bord Na Mona
Featuring
Eoghan Corbett, Teagasc
William Bailey, Klasmann-Deilmann
Brendan Howell, ICL
presented by Dr. Deirdre Fay, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
With the full support of Bord Bia, GLAS offers a unique networking opportunity for both buyers and sellers in Ireland’s horticulture, sportsturf and related industries.