Bloom 2008, Ireland’s largest gardening event, opens today in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Hosted by Bord Bia, the event includes thirty show gardens from Ireland’s top horticultural talent, complemented by a larger and more spectacular floral pavilion featuring the best of Irish plants and flowers. The 2007 inaugural show was a huge success, attracting some 50,000 visitors.
Similar to other international gardening events, a team of experts will judge the 30 exquisite show gardens and floral marquee displays - winners will be announced tomorrow (Friday 30th May). Gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze medals will be awarded based on strict guidelines addressing both horticultural skills and design superiority.
Bloom 2008 introduces many new features including – a Health and Wellness Arena; a craft trail offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy demonstrations by craftspeople at work and a dedicated cookery demonstration stage featuring some of Ireland’s leading chefs including Neven Maguire and Jenny Bristow. The food market offers visitors everything from farmhouse cheese to fudge and boasts 40 stands, an increase from 27 in 2007. Children and education play an integral role this year with three interactive child-orientated gardens including an organic vegetable garden; a fairy folklore garden and a stimulating garden for children with learning difficulties.
Other key features include daily entertainment; beekeeping demonstrations; creativity classes with Imaginosity, Dublin’s Children’s Museum; Pfizer Health Screening and hourly gardening tips from the green fingered experts including Dermot O’Neill and Gerry Daly. The fashionistas are expected to arrive in style for Ladies Day on Saturday May 31st.
Bord Bia has introduced many new facilities to ensure a more enjoyable show for visitors including doubling car parking capacity and supplying a free shuttle bus from Heuston station. Additional seating has been allocated through the 70 acre site and over 2 kilometres of pathway has been installed. There are two entrance gates in operation servicing traffic from Dublin City (Red Car Park A) and Castleknock/M50 (Green Car Park B). The nearest car park will be signposted from every entrance. Ashtown Gate will be closed, except for exiting and a designated taxi /bus drop-off point will be provided close to the event entrance on Chesterfield Avenue.
Bloom has secured a number of high profile partners including Keelings, Tesco and Pfizer who will contribute, among others, to an eclectic mix of advice and expertise throughout the weekend. The event is also being run in association with the Office of Public Works (OPW) who has provided the picturesque setting of the Phoenix Park Visitors Centre.
Tickets are available at the gate
Bloom 2008 is open from 10am - 6pm daily until Monday 2nd June.