Fashion designer and TV presenter Brendan Courtney shares how he created his dream garden, designed by award-winning Garden Designer Declan McKenna.
When you think about your dream garden, is this what you always had in mind?
I didn’t know I was going to buy a house near the sea, so I don’t think I ever had anything particular in mind. This meant when it came to the garden, it was a total blank canvas. I was very open to suggestions, the only thing I really wanted was a water feature, especially being able to see the sea, I knew I wanted water somewhere in the garden. That, and comfortable seating – from there, I let the garden designer go bananas.
How involved were you in the creative direction?
I designed the skeleton of the space, and then Declan (McKenna, award-winning Garden Designer) and I worked collaboratively from there; he translated my vision into an actual design on paper. I was at the helm when it came to the layout and form, and Declan brought his expertise with the landscaping, horticulture and planting. He was able to show me such beautiful photo inspiration that I knew would work with the structure of what was there.
Is there anything about the planting that you have learned to love?
I know what I like, but I know very little about planting and the realities. Declan and I walked through a couple of garden centres together, and he was able to explain so much to me about creepers and crawlers, early bloomers, and all that. So, I’m learning and I’m just loving the process.
What room will look out into the garden?
The whole back of the house is an open-plan area: living, kitchen, dining. It’s about 50 square meters, so it’s pretty large with three big concertina windows and two side panels that all look onto the sea. I designed it so that the big windows are angled toward the view, giving it a kind of a triangle space at the top of the terrace, and four steps down to the lower garden.
How did your expertise in design influence the garden?
It’s interesting, when I was renovating the house at first, I didn’t put in an extension. I actually ran out of money, and then a woman crashed into my house, which gave me some time to consider my options. I had already talked to my builder about doing a smaller extension that I could afford because I realised from living in the house for a few months that I didn’t need a massive extension at the back. So, before I even met Declan, I decided I needed to get an understanding of what the final footprint of the garden would be, even if I didn’t complete the extension. And then the opportunity to work with the Easy Steps to Dream Gardens team came up, and it was perfect timing. In the end, with adding the extension, I took four meters off the garden on an angle with a terrace, from there I wanted to work with the layout of what was left of the space, so it really couldn’t have come at a better time.
Can you tell us a bit about that design process and what working with Declan was like?
It was quite structured because once I designed the extension, which is very simple, and we began our collaboration, I said to Declan, here’s the layout: What have you got? And he came back; we worked even more on the layout of the garden after my initial design. He actually moved the water feature to make more sense in the space, so it was nice to have his eye. Initially I really wanted olive trees – I said olive trees, olive trees, olive trees! – and he thought about it, and suggested pleached trees instead, so they’ll give me privacy without taking up too much space. So, the design of the space, which will be quite minimalist with these meter-by-meter sand tiles going from the front door of the house all the way right to the back wall of the garden, is going to have this really lush garden to compliment it.
Was having Nancy (Brendan’s dog) a consideration when you were like thinking about the garden?
The priority initially was a place for her to pee at night. I have actually got a back garden, and a front garden at the house, with the front garden coming off my bedroom. So, a small patch of grass will be kept there for Nancy. That tile that will run from inside the house into the garden was selected because, as anyone with any sort of Jack Russell will know, they’re moulting dogs. So, she moults white hair, which you won’t be able to see against the tile. The interior of my car is white; I wear a lot of white so you can’t see her hair. So yes, you could say she was a consideration in the design process.
When all is completed, what are you looking forward to the most?
I sit outside a lot. I can’t wait to meditate outside while I’m looking at the sea or have my coffee in the morning. I actually was in the garden last night; it was a little cool but you could see the stars. It’s a blank canvas right now so I’m just looking forward to being a lush space to sit in and enjoy in a manner of months. Being outdoors is something I’ve grown to appreciate as I’ve got older. I grew up in a very ordinary three-bedroom semi-detached house in Tallaght. I had a lovely childhood and upbringing, but the garden was something we only used in the summer. As an adult, I’ve always lived in apartments in the city centre. It was about 10 years ago when I started planting my apartment window boxes and got a lovely rush from it! I have a few house plants now, so I started getting a green finger naturally. Having an outdoor space at the front and the back of my new home, I plan to spend a lot of time there.
What are you most looking forward to at Bloom? How do you think people will respond to the garden when you’re there?
I think people will love that it’s so very liveable, and the fact that they can do it themselves. The full design plan, planting plan and plant list will be available on the Bord Bia Bloom website to download and recreate as a build to the Easy Steps to Dream Gardens initiative that Bord Bia developed over the last couple of years.
The garden will be staged with furniture that I have designed, with a six-seater dining set, sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table. I made sure, with the design, to incorporate gaps in the coffee table so water can run through the slats and not pool on the table. The cushions are all waterproof, they’re kind of a light grey so you can wipe clean. I think visitors will like that it’s such an inviting but practical space, with the outdoor shower and plunge pool, so it can be used all year round, all day.
If you’re feeling inspired by Brendan’s garden you can shop the Brendan Courtney Home & Garden collection at EZ Living Interiors. Available in store nationwide and online, the collection celebrates relaxed outdoor living, combining contemporary design with durable materials and comfortable finishes. Among the standout pieces in the collection is a 5-seater garden lounge set, crafted from durable acacia wood and paired with soft beige fabric cushions for comfort and style.
See Brendan’s dream garden come to life at Bord Bia Bloom which takes place Thursday May 28th – Monday June 1st, 2026. For more information and to buy tickets visit bordbiabloom.com.
