Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Diarmuid tends to our dream gardens
New show for telly fave
GARDENING guru Diarmuid Gavin has kept busy during lockdown not only tackling his own plot but also helping people across the country achieve their dream gardens.
In his new series, Gardening Together With Diarmuid Gavin, which will air on BBC and RTE, the 56-year-old lends his expertise to families across Ireland all from the comfort of his own home.
Speaking to the Mirror, Diarmuid said the show will touch on many aspects of working outdoors as well as on some devastating real life stories.
One of those is Co Antrim woman Nichola Mcgregor who lost her partner Arnie Clarke in a tragic accident in February this year after he fell into the water at Tollymore Forest Park while trying to rescue his pet dog.
Diarmuid said: “Nichola’s story really stood out, her story is just heartbreaking and astonishing.
“They had bought their new forever home in Antrim and Arnie was the ultimate handyman, a lovely man by all accounts. She ended up moving into this new home with all her dreams dashed.
“There is something about Nichola that is absolutely amazing. You’re listening to her and you’re in tears but there is something that shines through and she wanted a garden that she thinks Arnie would have made for her.
“It’s not a sad story because Nichola, although I only met her on Zoom, she would brighten your day. Her joy in it is infectious. It’s not only a story of what was, it’s the new story and Arnie’s dad and all have been in digging and helping out building this for her, so it’s wonderful.”
Gardening Together With Diarmuid Gavin begins on Monday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iplayer.