Flower farmer Maria Ryan shares her garden-inspired favourites
The founder of Co Carlow flower farm and design studio Bell Meadow shares her go-to tools, flowers to look forward to, and aesthetic inspiration.
My little greenhouse felt like such a luxury when it arrived. Before that, I sowed all my seeds at the kitchen table. To me, it’s a whole world in itself.
My hori hori knife is my absolute go-to tool. It’s perfect for weeding and planting, and very easy on your wrist.
That moment mid-summer when everything is blooming, the tomatoes are ripe and the garden is buzzing with pollinators is my favourite. As the day starts to fade and flowers such as nicotiana fill the air,
it feels like all your hard work has paid off.
I love growing sweet peas. Last year, I created archways for them using wooden poles, beech branches and netting. When everything was in bloom, it was incredible to sit inside the arches and enjoy the scent.
I have a particular love for scented flowers and herbs. Mint is one of my favourite plants and it comes in so many varieties, from chocolate to apple.
Lismore Castle Gardens in Waterford is a must visit. There’s nothing predictable or standard in the planting. If you go in late summer, you might see the traditional haystacks of the flowering meadows, which is like being transported back in time.
I find it hard to leave Arboretum in Carlow empty handed, even if I am just meeting someone for coffee.
When I’m in London, I make a beeline for the V&A Museum. From the William Morris-designed café to the vast array of treasures, it really is special. I always pop into Liberty of London, too. I never leave without a few metres of fabric and something for the house.
I am inspired by the changing landscape of where I live in Carlow. The school run is truly one of my favourite things. At this stage, I know exactly where the wildflowers grow, the fields to see the first lambs of spring, and the forests with breathtaking autumn colour.
Sasha Sykes sees beauty in the smallest detail of nature and can tell the magical stories through her pieces. She handmakes art and furniture pieces using acrylic and resin, embedding flowers, plants and fungi from nature.
I love that every day is different. One day I could be creating wedding florals, the next sowing or weeding, or teaching a workshop. Seasonally, my tasks change a lot, too. In summer, I’ll be outside until it gets too dark to see, but on a rainy spring morning, I could be inside packing seed and gift orders.
This feature originally appeared in the spring/summer 2025 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.
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