Bloom 2008, Ireland’s largest gardening event hosted by Bord Bia, was officially opened in the Phoenix Park today by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese. “We have garden designers and horticulturists that are as good or better, than any in the world” said President McAleese, Patron of Bloom. “Bloom provides a wonderful stage for these designers to perform in front of a huge national and international audience. It is the catwalk of Irish horticulture with the very best of plants, garden features and new ideas offered to visitors in breath-taking displays and arrangements” she continued.
According to Dan Browne, Chairman, Bord Bia “Ireland’s most talented designers, gardeners and landscapers have been working round the clock to amaze and delight the public and, I can assure you, no one will leave disappointed. Amenity horticulture is thriving in Ireland, currently valued at over €2billion per annum. It has grown quite naturally with the booming housing market and with our growing prosperity and sophistication as consumers. And though we have seen a levelling off in new-house construction this year, there is every reason to believe that people will continue to invest in their gardens as their homes mature and as their families grow.”
Bloom Winners
Paul Doyle was awarded the overall prize in the Large Garden category for his elegant garden entitled The Travel Department Garden ‘Wherever the wind takes me I travel’, inspired by the classical gardens of Italy.
Liat and Oliver Schurmann’s garden ‘Twilight’, a woodland garden in a courtyard setting of a modern building complex, won the overall winner’s prize in the Medium Garden category. Best Overall Small Garden was awarded to Frazer Mc Donagh for his subtropical garden ‘The Lyons Tea Garden Green Retreat. ’The Engaging Spaces overall award went to Sheena Vernon for her Irish fairy folklore garden, ‘The Kellogg’s Coco Pops Awaken the Magic’. Mad Flowers won the Best in Show Award within the stunning Floral Marquee for its vibrant, colourful and eye-catching display.
In total, 48 medals were awarded by the international judging panel, a significant increase on the 27 medals awarded in 2007. Fifteen gold medals were awarded, 7 of those to show garden designers and 8 to exhibitors within the Floral Marquee. Additionally 8 silver gilt, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals were awarded.
Judging for Bloom has been underway since Wednesday and the panel were extremely impressed at the even higher standards of entries this year. “I am struck by the exceptionally high level of detail, quality of finish and the undeniable improvements since last year. The Bloom 2008 designers are showing much more confidence in their gardens” said Andrew Wilson, Head of Bloom 2008 judging panel. “Designers who previously participanted in Bloom have brought even more to this year’s event, helping to raise the overall standard, while those new to the showcase have also made a valuable contribution.”
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 smoked fish 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. Over 600 children are expected to attend the event today from primary schools nationwide to view the organic vegetable garden.
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.