Published: 10:00 am, 28 April 2026
Diarmuid Gavin and Carol Klein (Image: BBC / Waddell Media )
The inaugural winner of Greatest Gardens With Diarmuid Gavin And Carol Klein has been awarded to Ivydene Garden in the series finale which aired on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Monday 27 April.
Ivydene Garden spread across three acres in Comber, Co Down, impressed the judges with its design variety and creative planting. Robert Russell and Michael Connolly have created three distinct and contrasting spaces – a formal garden, secret garden and wildflower meadow.
Ivydene was named the third finalist when Diarmuid and Carol were joined by TV personality and Special Constable Penny Lancaster as a guest judge. Penny described the garden as ‘magical’ and ‘gorgeous’.
Michael says: “It was a joy taking part in the Greatest Gardens series. My hope is that it will inspire people to take another look at their outdoor space, be it six feet or six acres. It’s great to get outside!”
Robert says: “I hoped people might like our garden, but I was genuinely surprised to win, especially with so many incredible gardens in the mix.”
Michael Connolly and Robert Russell (Image: BBC / Waddell Media)
Five gardens made it to the Grand Final held at Greenmount Walled Garden in Co Antrim where Carol and Diarmuid had the job of choosing which garden would take top honours. The finalists were judged on three criteria: planting, design and good gardening practice.
Carol says: “What I love about this garden is, it’s never about a single plant, it’s always about combinations.
“The garden is full of roses everywhere, of every description. The whole garden is planted for succession as well. It is beautifully thought out.”
Diarmuid says: “Ivydene is a truly delightful garden, with an extraordinary sense of arrival. Lupins stood like gentle sentries along the entrance floral border, guiding us to the front door and setting the tone for what lies beyond.
Michael Connolly and Robert Russell (Image:BBC / Waddell Media)
“It unfolds as a relaxed floral paradise, a series of meandering grass pathways leading us through a series of delightfully informal garden rooms. The icing on the cake…a wistful, meadow, melting seamlessly into the billowing fields beyond, showing a real sensitivity and understanding of place.
“It is beautifully gardened, full of care and quiet confidence. Robert and Michael have created something special with Ivydene…it lifted our hearts. If heaven were a garden, this felt like a brief visit to paradise.”
A second series of Greatest Gardens With Diarmuid Gavin And Carol Klein by Waddell Media has been commissioned for BBC Northern Ireland and is currently in pre-production.
The full series of Greatest Gardens With Diarmuid Gavin And Carol Klein is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
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