Gary Graham, Bloom Show Manager with Bord Bia, added “Bloom has caught the imagination of the Irish public. Whether you are a serious gardener or a nervous novice the spectacular exhibits and gardens on show contain something to inspire everyone to get out and do some gardening. This year visitors are availing of all the information they can get their hands on to make informed decisions about their purchases and our designers and exhibitors are benefitting from a renewed interest in all things gardening.”
People’s Choice Award
The final day of Bloom also marked the announcement of the People’s Choice Award – over the past five days Bloom visitors were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite showgarden. Frazer McDonogh from Wicklow Town, scooped the award for his oriental garden entitled ‘The Travel Department China Garden’.
Business is Blooming
Business was blooming onsite for designers and exhibitors alike. The amenity horticulture sector, valued at €717 million in January 2010, ranges from garden designers and landscape architects to nurseries and garden centres.
Peter O’Brien of Peter O’Brien & Sons Landscaping, Malahide, Dublin and designer of a silver medal winning showgarden said “We have had a fantastic weekend at Bloom. We designed the Green Igloo garden with the idea of creating something cheerful with plenty of colours. We have received 15 orders for replica igloos in private gardens. There seems to be a real appetite among the public for unusual garden features, something to make their outdoor area stand out.”
Orla Woods, Kilmurry Nurseries, Gorey, Co. Wexford described the atmosphere “I have been involved with Bloom every year and this is without a doubt the best year yet. The nurseries worked hard to offer great value and the public really responded to this, they were hungry for plants.”
Bloom 2010 attracted more than 40 international horticulture journalists from key potential markets such as Holland, UK, Germany, France, Hungary and Belgium. “As someone selling Irish plants worldwide, Bloom offers an opportunity to expose our unique range of plants to key international press” said Pat Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Fitzgerald Nurseries. “It is important to highlight the unique nature of Irish climate and the wider range of plants that thrive here.”
Food Glorious Food
Exhibitors at Bloom were also delighted with the success of the show, and reported huge interest and great sales.
In the Grand Pavilion, sales were also brisk. Sharon Colgan, Programme Director, Love Irish Food (LIF) “The nine food brands within the Love Irish Food hub at Bloom, have had a terrific weekend. They have had plenty of time to meet face to face with consumers, offering great exposure for the brands involved. All of the exhibitors have been overwhelmed by the turnout with several saying it was the best show they have ever been involved in.”
The Artisan Food Market traders have had to re-stock several times over the weekend due to the demand. First time exhibitor Paddy O’ Granola, run by Paddy O’Connell from Portlaoise, Co Laois completely sold out of all product today and had no option but to close his stand early (Monday).
Bloom 2011
According to Bord Bia planning for Bloom 2011 is already underway, scheduled to take place from June 2nd - 6th.