Ivydene Garden was victorious in the series finale
Ivydene Garden in Comber, Co Down, has been crowned the first ever winner of Greatest Gardens With Diarmuid Gavin And Carol Klein, after impressing judges with its imaginative design and richly varied planting across three acres.
Created by Robert Russell and Michael Connolly, Ivydene is divided into three contrasting spaces — a formal garden, a secluded secret garden and a sweeping wildflower meadow — each contributing to what judges described as a “beautifully thought‑out” and “delightfully informal” horticultural experience.
The garden secured its place in the final three when Diarmuid and Carol were joined by TV personality and Special Constable Penny Lancaster as guest judge. Lancaster praised Ivydene as “magical” and “gorgeous”, noting its atmosphere and sense of discovery.
Reflecting on the win, Michael Connolly said: “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 Russell added: “I hoped people might like our garden, but I was genuinely surprised to win, especially with so many incredible gardens in the mix.”
Five gardens reached the Grand Final at Greenmount Walled Garden in Co Antrim, where the finalists were judged on planting, design and good gardening practice. The decision fell to Carol and Diarmuid, who praised Ivydene for its cohesion, sensitivity and horticultural confidence.
Carol Klein highlighted the garden’s layered approach: “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.”
A second series of Greatest Gardens With Diarmuid Gavin And Carol Klein, produced by Waddell Media for BBC Northern Ireland, has already been commissioned and is currently in pre‑production.
The full first series is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Diarmuid Gavin described Ivydene as “a truly delightful garden, with an extraordinary sense of arrival”, recalling lupins “standing like gentle sentries” along the entrance border. “It unfolds as a relaxed floral paradise,” he said.
“A wistful meadow melts seamlessly into the billowing fields beyond, showing a real sensitivity and understanding of place. It is beautifully gardened, full of care and quiet confidence… it lifted our hearts.”
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