CountryLife Garden Centres were recently approached by RTÉ to participate in a new programme called ‘DIY SOS – The Big Build’, a UK show that’s now been brought across the waters for its first season in Ireland. The show sees a designer and building crew give a family in need a life-changing home makeover, in just nine days!

CountryLife Garden Centre’s donated a huge quantity of plants and trees for ‘Episode 3 – The Guihen Family’. Shay and Finn Guihen are 8-year-old identical twin boys, born with Pfeiffer Syndrome Type III, a rare genetic disorder causing a number of challenging and life limiting disabilities. The family’s 6 year old son, Rylie, is a ‘garden nut’, hence the emphasis on the garden in this particular episode.

On site in Leixlip

Fergal Joy, one of our champion horticulturists from Glanbia Countrylife in Bunclody, went on set to the family home in Leixlip to help with the garden landscaping. He witnessed first-hand the relentless and selfless work of the hundreds of volunteers on site. “This really was an amazing experience to be involved in. My role was to help Peter Donegan, garden designer on the show, with delivery of the plants which came from Tully Nurseries and Young Nurseries, two suppliers we use in the Bunclody branch.” It was, says Fergal, an excellent opportunity to showcase Glanbia Countrylife but also a chance to participate in a worthwhile cause. “It was an honour to be asked by Glanbia Countrylife to be a part of it. We’re all delighted with the end result.”

Monasterevin Garden Centre

Peter Donegan, the landscaper on the show, visited CountryLife in Monasterevin where he did a ‘fake shop’ of the plants and trees that were needed for the show. This was the final piece to make the final cut and aired on the show. A special thanks to Peter, Jean in Ashford, Donya, Keith and Veronica in Monasterevin for their help with getting the place looking tip top for filming.
Check out our video above to watch the behind the scenes journey!