'It means the world' - Kildare resident crowned winner of RTE's Super Garden series

Laois woman living in Kildare, Debbie Brophy, has been crowned the winner of RTE's Super Garden series for 2025.

The garden design challenge, now in its 16th series, has once again showcased the extraordinary talents of aspiring designers from across the country. Debbie, from Laois but based in Kildare, impressed the judges with her ‘bee happy’ wildlife garden, inspired by a honeybee colony that moved into her own garden last year. 

The final episode of this season of Super Garden aired on Tuesday on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and Debbie was announced as the winner. She will have her garden exhibited at Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland's premier garden festival this June bank holiday weekend.

Speaking on her win Debbie said: “It’s an immense feeling; there will be a hundred thousand people coming to see our garden and it means the world".

Kerrie Gardiner, Show Garden Manager for Bord Bia Bloom and Chief Judge of Super Garden, praised Debbie Brophy following her victory in the competition.

READ NEXT: Free speed friending event to take place in Kildare this weekend

"Debbie is a very worthy winner of Super Garden 2025. She truly delivered for the homeowner, creating the 'Bee Happy Garden' filled with colour and family-friendly elements that also encourage pollinators and biodiversity. There was great attention to detail in the garden bespoke insect hotels, and the water butt harvesting waster from the pergola roof all contributing to promoting environmental sustainability," Kerrie said.

"The design further includes engaging play areas and interactive installations that foster creativity and outdoor learning for the younger member of the family. Overall, the garden reflects the personality and desires of the homeowners, making it a well-rounded design delivery.”

This year's competition brought five innovative designers to Baker Hall in Navan, County Meath, in homes built by Glenveagh homes with the support of Meath County Council and the Land Development Agency through the Affordable Housing Scheme. Five households had their gardens transformed but only one garden could make it to Bord Bia Bloom.

Super Garden judge Brian Burke, representing Woodie's said: “People often ask me what makes a winning design in Super Garden. The answer is that it is a combination of things - originality, flow, dynamism, interesting plant combinations, strong built elements, an eye on sustainability, a full and faithful response to the homeowner's requirements. This year Debbie provided all of those things, and more.”

Super Garden judge Monica Alvarez, representing Dulux Exteriors said: “We have seen good quality in this year's Super Garden designs. Each design was different and had a strong theme. It was refreshing to see designers willing to take risks by creating unconventional designs. Debbie's garden makes a perfect addition to Bloom, having demonstrated her ability to carry out good quality work and produce a garden with a strong message. I am very proud of what she has created.”

Super Garden judge and Horticulture Manager at Bord Bia Carol Marks said: “This garden designer is a deserving winner of Super Garden 2025. While all the designers are to be commended for the beautiful spaces they have created for their homeowners, Debbie has created a magical space perfectly aligned with the owner's brief. The design encompasses all the elements contained in her original brief and brings surprises at every turn. She has delivered a garden with nature in mind, relaxing spaces for enjoyment and reflection for the adults, and a perfectly imagined play space that can evolve with changing needs.”

The other garden designs featured in Season 16 of Super Garden were:

Jorge Aragon Cano’s ‘Failte Fiesta’ garden

Eileen Sung’s ‘New Beginnings’ garden

Chris Walsh’s ‘Culinary Canopy’ garden

Rosie Alabaster’s garden inspired by WB Yeats’ ‘Lake Isle of Innisfree’ poem

All episodes of Series 16 of Super Garden are streaming now on RTÉ Player.

Super Garden is produced by Vision Independent Productions and is proudly sponsored by Woodie’s and Dulux Exteriors.

Bloom, a special programme on the annual garden showcase, will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Thursday, May 29 at 7pm. Join Áine Lawlor and Marty Morrissey as they present from Bord Bia’s Bloom in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.