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Our Garden Centre
40 Years in Bloom
The perfectly imperfect story of D&M Garden Centre
Just like any good family story — it’s full of laughs, a few rows, and a whole lot of heart.
In 1984, when Ireland was in the grip of a recession and everything felt a bit grey, Dermot and Mary hit hard times. But instead of giving in, they rolled up their sleeves and planted the seeds (quite literally) of something special: D&M Garden Centre.
It didn’t start with acres of plants or shiny glasshouses. It started in their kids’ bedrooms — filled wall to wall with vegetables. Every morning, Dermot and Mary would load up their yellow Hiace van, and off Dermot would go, delivering fresh veg door to door across Limerick. If you lived here in the ‘80s, chances are you remember him calling to your house with a smile and a bag of spuds.
From Veg to Viburnum
A few years later, they expanded their idea — Dermot began growing bedding plants (that would go on to become locally famous), while Mary set up shop to sell to the public. Their honesty, humour, and down-to-earth charm drew in a fiercely loyal bunch of customers who, frankly, felt more like family.
The business bloomed — bedding plants turned into shrubs, trees, and garden advice sessions that often included a cuppa and a chat.
Mary’s Kitchen (and Heart)
In the 1990s, Mary had a new idea — "Let’s feed them!" she said. And just like that, the D&M restaurant was born. From day one, it’s been all about homemade, honest, proper food — no fuss, just flavour. Her passion for cooking is written in every bowl of soup and every scone. Over the years, the restaurant has grown (and redecorated many, many times), but her ethos of local, fresh, and from-the-heart food hasn’t changed a bit.
Next Generation, Same Spirit
What began as two people trying to make ends meet has grown into a proper family affair. Their daughter Ursula and son Tom are now part of the team — along with Tom’s wife, Mags — and each has brought their own spark to the place. New ideas, fresh products, modern touches... and the same warm welcome.
And then there’s Hansel, Dermot’s “favourite son” (his dog, obviously). Over the years, he’s played a crucial role in making D&M one of the most dog-friendly garden centres around — and a familiar sight on the road walking alongside Dermot, tail wagging like a local celebrity.
What D&M Means
D&M isn’t just a business. It’s a feeling. It’s the smell of compost and coffee, the sound of Mary telling a story while serving a stew, and the sight of generations of customers still coming in for plants, chats, and cake.
It’s messy, magical, and made with love.
It’s a family — not just by blood, but by community.
Here’s to 40 years of D&M.
And here’s to many more.
