The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan, T.D. today announced the launch of Bloom 2007, billed as the biggest and most spectacular gardening event ever to be staged in Ireland.
Bloom, hosted by Bord Bia, is set to see over 50,000 garden enthusiasts swarming to the 70 acre Phoenix Park Visitor Centre site over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Bloom will be the largest event of its kind an Irish audience has ever seen and will match the quality and high standards of the top gardening shows in the UK. Bord Bia will also use the event to showcase the best of Irish food by hosting a large scale food market and a specialty food pavilion.
Officially launching Bloom, Minister Coughlan commented: "Interest in garden development and outdoor living has soared in this country over the past decade. The gardening market has grown by over 70% in the past four years to a value of almost €1 billion and with so many Irish people now owning their own homes, Bloom 2007 is a unique opportunity for people to discover new ideas and possibilities for their "outdoor room", in a fun and family-orientated environment".
Bloom 2007 is Bord Bia’s most innovative industry initiative and has already seen sponsors eager to support this world-class event. High profile brands such as Keelings, Tesco, Pfizer and Fáilte Ireland are the main partners for this showcase, ensuring a vast array of advice and expertise.
Speaking of the launch, Angela Kennedy, Chairman, Bord Bia said "Bloom 2007 will take place over 70 acres in the Phoenix Park thanks to the hospitality of the Office of Public Works and will be a truly world class event that will dazzle and inspire both serious horticulturalists and novice gardeners"
"This gardening extravaganza will be on a par with other renowned UK shows, bringing together the best of Irish and international landscape gardeners; designers; horticultural producers; artisan crafts and food. Anyone with an interest in flowers; gardening; fine food or just outdoor life in general, will truly enjoy this event".
Among the many attractions of Bloom 2007 will be an assortment of 20 stunning show gardens – many with interactive features – as well as a specialty arts and crafts area; sculpture exhibition; retail area; indoor and outdoor displays; a family ‘fun learning zone’ and a spectacular nursery and floral display.
Bord Bia are promising that Bloom will engage all the senses: sight, smell, sound, taste and touch and with so much happening it promises to be a spectacular bank holiday weekend.
Adult ticket prices start at €15 and there are a number of family orientated discounted packages. For tickets and further information, log onto www.bloominthepark.com. Bloom 2007 takes place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, from June 1st to 4th 2007.
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For further information contact: Roz O’Shaughnessy, Corporate Communications, Bord Bia Tel: 01 614 2245 / 086 4054639