Background

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin

An example of my weekly gardening column in the Tuam Herald. Article writing can be provided as a service if you run a publication or website.

Allow me to give you a summary of my background. My name is James Kilkelly, I live just outside the village of Monivea about a 20 minute drive from Galway city. I am a National Botanic Gardens qualified garden designer working for private and commercial clients all over the west of Ireland. Amongst my qualifications are:

Higher national diploma in Amenity Horticulture (with distinction) from the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin.
RHS General Certificate in Horticulture.
General Certificate in Organic Horticulture.

I have worked as a gardener in a variety of parks and recreation areas for Dublin Corporation, these include:

The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.
The War Memorial Gardens, Inchicore.
St. Ann's Park & Rose garden, Dublin.

Today whilst operating a garden design practice I also teach classes in garden layout and maintenance at various technical institutes.

I am a contributing writer for various publications, chief of these being my weekly gardening articles for the Tuam Herald, Galway's longest established newspaper.

During many years working in the horticultural sector I have found that following a plan is the all-important step in landscaping. Whilst operating my own landscaping business I constructed many gardens according to other designers specifications. I frequently noticed many flaws that the client would not be aware of. I would often approach the client and offer my own suggestions of how to improve the design. On many occasions my proposed changes were accepted, to the benefit of both parties.

This motivated me to set up my own consultancy and design practice, the aim being to implement my learned design concepts whilst incorporating your needs and wants.