Super Garden's youngest contestant has family ties to the show
Super Garden sprang onto our screens tonight, introducing viewers to a new batch of budding gardeners. Watch it back on RTÉ Player now.
Each year, five nature lovers take on the challenge of designing a stunning home garden worthy of going to Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland's premier garden show.
With just three weeks and a budget that amounts to €15,000, each designer takes over one garden in a new social housing estate – their blank canvas – to make something that will impress the judges.
This year's location is Millrace in Ashbourne, County Meath, a new social housing development by Meath County Council.
This year's expert panel of judges are: Brian Burke, representing Woodie's, who is a previous Super Garden winner; Kerrie Gardiner Bord Bia Bloom's Show Gardens Manager; Carol Marks, Manager of Horticulture Bord Bia; and Monica Alvarez, a garden design lecturer also representing Dulux.
On tonight's episode, viewers were introduced to designer Sean Melia from Summerhill, Co. Meath - a young man who hails from a long line of horticulturalists, including one familiar to Super Garden viewers.
At just 20 years of age, he is the youngest designer ever to take part in the show, but that's not the only reason he stands out.
Melia's participation will become part of his family's lore, as his father, Dermot Melia, took part in the show in 2020, leaving quite an impression on viewers despite losing the winning spot.
Fans will remember Dermot as a ninth-generation horticulturist who had gardening in his veins and a penchant for the spotlight.
Always dressed to impress with an array of hats, the stylish landscaper also participated in First Dates Ireland in 2019 when he went on a date with Joy, an interior designer from Galway.
During his time on Super Garden, Dermot shared some advice for future contestants:
"What I would say is, you need to really stop your life for five weeks. Clear out of society and set yourself up that you will be missing out of every aspect of your life for those five weeks."
In 2026, it seems that Dermot's son Sean was ready to take up the mantle, continuing his family's legacy of horticultural talent.
Sean was challenged to create a garden for Ellen, who works in the civil service, and her 15-year-old son, Ben.
Melia's contemporary garden uses strong colours and elevated spaces to deal with a challenging high concrete wall.
Watch Sean's episode of Super Garden on RTÉ Player now.
