Carol Klein and Diarmuid Gavin go on the road to find Northern Ireland’s Greatest Gardens

Diarmuid Gavin and Carol Klein have joined forces for a new six-part series (Image: BBC)

It's an opportunity to explore what people enjoy growing, how they shape and arrange their areas, and what makes each garden unique to them

Horticulture

21 April 2026

Diarmuid Gavin and Carol Klein have collaborated on a new six-part series to explore Northern Ireland’s Greatest Gardens.

Diarmuid, 61, an Irish garden designer, provides his characteristic flair for design, while Carol, 80, contributes her extensive plant knowledge and keen eye for detail as they visit 15 residential gardens of various shapes and sizes.

In each episode, they meet homeowners who have converted ordinary places into amazing havens. They are also joined by a famous guest who helps them evaluate the overall design, inventiveness, and planting expertise of three different gardens each episode, with one individual from each episode being invited to the grand final to compete for the title of Greatest Garden.

“It was enormous fun roaming the country with my new bestie, Carol, in search of the greatest garden! In every episode a household name joined our little gardening gang, and together we romped around Northern Ireland, being inspired, sharing many opinions and doling out the occasional bit of advice,” Gavin said.

Viewers may expect a nice peek into some extremely magnificent gardens in Northern Ireland. It’s an opportunity to explore what people enjoy growing, how they shape and arrange their areas, and what makes each garden unique to them.

Three garden detectives are at the center of it all, attempting to make sense of the planting decisions, passions, and personalities. It’s a quest for the best garden, with plenty of practical advice along the way and a welcome sprinkling of mischief.

The show begins with Dame Prue Leith, a restaurateur, broadcaster, cookbook author, novelist, and avid gardener, accompanying Diarmuid and Carol to three magnificent gardens: Holly House, a six-acre farmhouse garden close to Crumlin, County Antrim; a suburban garden in Jordanstown; and Fernhill Garden in Ballynahinch, which is home to over 4,000 plants.

“There are gardens galore, insights and ideas, plus perfect plants in canny combinations. The love and passion shines through,” Klein said.

The first five episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The grand final will broadcast on the 4th May on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.