I’m Heading to the Arboretum in Ireland – Join Me for a Day of Plants, Soil, and Jungle Knowledge
- Jonny Balchandani
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
This November, I’ll be travelling to Ireland to speak at the award-winning Arboretum in Carlow — one of the most respected garden destinations in the country, known for its incredible plant selection, world-class retail space, and immersive horticultural experiences.
It’s a huge honour to be invited, and I can finally announce that I’ll be hosting a special event there on 28 November 2025. If you’re in Ireland, nearby, or you simply fancy making a plant-themed weekend of it, this is your chance to join me in person for a day of learning, creativity, and proper jungle geekery.
This isn’t just a talk. It’s a full experience.
What I’ll Be Teaching at the Arboretum
The focus of my session will be houseplants, indoor jungles, and how to truly understand the life happening inside your home environment. But I’ll also be bringing something extra — something hands-on.
A Full Live Demonstration: How to Create Your Own Soil Mix
One of the most misunderstood — but most important — parts of plant care is soil.
Not compost. Not the generic bag from the supermarket.
Actual, functional, tailored soil.
During the demo, I’ll break down:
• what makes a soil “alive”
• how aeration, drainage, and structure affect plant health
• why different plants need different substrates
• how to stop soil from turning hydrophobic
• what to add, when to add it, and why it matters
• how to mix a professional-level aroid blend at home
• how to adjust your mix for growth, recovery, or propagation
And yes — I’ll be mixing my own signature chunky blend LIVE.
You’ll see every ingredient, every ratio, and every technique, with time for questions.
If you’ve ever wanted to level up your plant care quickly, this is the moment.
A Deep-Dive Talk for Real Plant People
Alongside the soil demo, I’ll be giving a full talk on:
• understanding artificial vs natural environments
• plants that thrive indoors (and those that don’t)
• rescuing struggling plants
• building a jungle in any home
• why variegated plants behave the way they do
• how to choose plants that suit your personality
• mistakes people make every winter
• how to stop overwatering (yes, even you)
• and the plant myths that need to die before Christmas
Expect the same honesty, humour, and “I’m-going-to-tell-you-the-truth-whether-you-like-it-or-not” approach I’m known for online.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you already know:
I don’t do boring plant talks.
This will be funny, practical, real, and extremely plant-nerdy.
Why the Arboretum?
If you’ve never been, the Arboretum Carlow is more than just a garden centre — it’s a horticultural destination.
A place built by people who truly care about plants, quality, and experience.
They host world-class events, workshops, and talks from gardeners, designers, and growers across the globe. Being invited to join that lineup is something I’m genuinely proud of.
It’s also a place where people travel from all over Ireland to learn, shop, and be inspired.
And honestly… it’s exactly the kind of place I want to bring the jungle energy to.
What You’ll Get From Attending
Whether you’re a beginner, a collector, or someone who has killed enough plants to qualify for emotional compensation, you’ll leave with:
• a deeper understanding of plant behaviour
• soil knowledge you can use immediately
• a sense of confidence in how to care for your jungle
• practical skills to grow healthier plants
• the ability to diagnose issues properly
• actual, real-world demonstrations — not just slides
• inspiration for your home, your hobby, and your next plant purchase
Plus, you’ll get to ask me anything you like — no filters, no nonsense.
Want to Join Me?
You can book your space directly through the Arboretum’s event page here:
And you can learn more about their Carlow flagship location here:
Spaces are limited, and these events usually fill quickly — especially when soil is involved (plant people are built differently).
If you’ve ever wanted to meet me in person, learn hands-on plant skills, or dive into a proper jungle conversation, I’d love to see you there.
Final Word
My whole journey — from the container jungle to Gardener’s World, to workshops, to Plantstock, to the Bearded Plantaholic community — has always been about bringing people together through plants.
This event at the Arboretum is another chapter in that story.
So if you’re ready to learn, laugh, ask questions, get your hands in some proper soil, and talk about plants like it’s a religion… join me in Ireland.
One love, tiny phone people.
See you in Carlow.
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