Meet_the floral designer
Mark Grehan, The Garden floral design studio
A Little about your work life story?
I started in horticulture, then moved into a garden centre where I worked my way up to manager. After that I trained in landscape design, ran a landscape company, and eventually opened my own in 2006. It was thriving - right up until the 2009 crash, when everything fell off a cliff.
But even then, I always knew I wanted to open a plant and flower shop. So I started a small stall on Coppinger Row every Thursday, selling plants and flowers. That was where the seed of The Garden really started to grow. I was experimenting with a new kind of bouquet — using grasses, branches, all sorts of natural elements — and people loved it.
One day, the managers from Powerscourt Townhouse stopped by and asked if I’d ever think about opening something there. None of the existing units really worked for what I wanted, but as I was leaving, I found myself standing in the hallway - it was cold, north-facing, with people flowing in and out. I thought, this is it - this is the spot.
And you just celebrated 15 years, how did you mark it?
I started thinking about all the people who’d helped me along the way: photographers, artists, friends who took a chance on me when I was starting out. I wanted the anniversary to honour them, not just me.
I worked with Ciana March and Dave O’Carroll, who suggested going back to Barna, Galway, where I grew up - with Connemara on my doorstep. That landscape has always inspired me, so we filmed there, with photographer Doreen Kilfeather out in the bog behind my house, with my mum.
We also hosted an exhibition in Powerscourt, asking artists to create pieces inspired by the bog. I didn’t give any direction just the theme — and what came back was incredible.
“The shops are the face of the business - not me - it’s about let the flowers do the talking and the team.”
— Mark Grehan, The Garden
So tell us about how you grew The Garden?
For Powerscourt I signed the lease in August 2010, and opened that October. Back then, Dublin was a much slower place — which turned out to be a gift. It gave me the time to find my rhythm, build the business, and grow naturally into what The Garden has become today. Then in early 2023 opening Mill Street was really about finding somewhere the creative people who want to work with us want to be - to cycle to work, and enjoy our D8 neighbourhood. The space itself is full of light and we designed it to be open plan, so the public can see everything happening that we’re working on. It’s about a space the staff want to be in and where we can create the ‘warm fuzzies’ as I call it for people to pop by - whether buying something or not.
The shops are the face of the business - not me - it’s about “let the flowers do the talking” and the team. It’s really important to me that we try to create a friendly environment for people.
No two days are ever the same, which is what I love about it — one day we’re doing flowers for a wedding or an event, the next we’re out planting or prepping displays. It’s busy, but it still feels creative every single day.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nature would naturally be the starting point - the landscape, the bogs, the coastline. If I need to clear my head or spark an idea, I’ll go for a walk, a run, or a cycle outdoors. It always grounds me. Art is another big one. I love going to a gallery - not looking for ideas, just looking.
In terms of people, I’ve always admired landscape designers like Dan Pearson, Colin David Stewart, and Fergus Garrett at Great Dixter. The way they balance wildness and order really resonates with me. I’m drawn to that English cottage-plant style, but also to the sculptural work of Brazilian landscape architects like Roberto Burle Marx.
And then architecture - especially brutalist buildings. I love the honesty of them. Inspiration can come from anywhere, really - but most mornings, it’s just me, a coffee, and a quiet few minutes before the day starts. That’s usually when the best ideas land.
How did the collaboration with Abito come about?
Mélie had been following Abito for a while and loved their overalls - especially the denim ones. They have such a timeless, functional quality to them. We’d had denim aprons before at The Garden, but they were too heavy and came too high up the neck. I wanted something that still felt hard-wearing, but lighter, and with a cleaner silhouette.
So I reached out to the Abito team and suggested we design one together - something that would work for both of us. We tried a few versions, played with the length, added the ring detail, and landed on a style that really suits the way we work.
So now it’s a new Abito x The Garden Apron!
Yes. Denim just makes sense for us — it wears beautifully, washes easily, and fits right in with the aesthetic of the shop. The collaboration felt natural, and the team were brilliant to work with - they really listened. It’s become part of our everyday uniform now with our new gillet - practical, comfortable, and well designed.
Abito are actually going to be doing a Pop-up at our Mill St location on Saturday December 6th from 11-4pm for anyone that is on the hunt for a christmas gift!
“It’s really important to me that we try to create a friendly environment for people.”
— Mark Grehan, The Garden
Thanks Mélie Desbrosse - by photographer Doreen Kilfeather. And thanks to Mark The Garden, and Doreen Kilfeather for all the beautiful images in this Journal.
Abito Pop-up at Mill Street next Saturday 6th December. Call by - to shop The Garden!
Over the last year it’s been such a pleasure sharing people’s work life stories and musings in this monthly Journal. We’ve also enjoyed on instagram watching so many people wearing their Abito workwear - for everything from pottery and gardening to cooking, writing, and partying. It means a lot to a small business. Thank you.
Sign up to Abito - we’ll keep you posted about new small batches and events - limited to a few times a year.
Thanks so much Mark and Mélie for your generosity and support - love collaborating with you. And thank you for reading.
Catherine & Eve Anne