Show gardens at Bloom promise a feast for the senses

THE inspiring designs of vibrant show gardens will highlight the value of the €717 million amenity horticultural industry to the national economy at Bloom 2010 in the Phoenix Park, Dublin over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

But an enhanced artisan food offering, sustainability, local food and grow your own, will also be central themes to this year’s event, which has attracted over 150,000 visitors since it was first held in 2007.

Aidan Cotter, chief executive Bord Bia, coordinators of the show, which President Mary McAleese will officially open on June 3, said the themes reflect current consumer sentiment and the interaction between horticulture, food and the environment.

“Bloom aims to educate, inspire and inform visitors, with something planned for all ages,” he said.

Bord Bia project manager Gary Graham said visitors will be amazed at the vibrancy and intricacy of the designs.

“Designers from across the country will produce a selection of some of the most visually impressive show pieces that our rich stock of garden design professionals have to offer,” he said.

Bloom 2010, running from June 3, will include 25 large, medium and small show gardens, complemented by a floral pavilion featuring 50 displays and the best of Irish plants and flowers.

The show gardens and floral displays will be judged by international independent panels, including Chelsea Flower Show adjudicator, Andrew Wilson.

GIY Ireland, a network of grow-it-yourselfers founded by Michael Kelly, has joined forces with previous Bloom medal winner Fiann O Nualláin, to create a totally edible garden for this year’s show.

Mr Kelly said it is designed as a classic suburban garden to show visitors just how much GIY-ing can be done in that environment and how a productive suburban vegetable patch can also be an attractive garden.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), which provides the 70-acre site for Bloom, will once again open its walled kitchen garden to the public, which has been restored to its original Victorian style. Over 40 artisan producers will take part in this year’s Food Market, while Bord Bia will host four live demonstrations each day with the featured chefs including Neven Maguire, Darina Allen, Jenny Bristow and author Donal Skehan.