Inside Out: Garden and design ideas inspired by the elements

Eve Kelliher looks at the new collection from Clodagh Designs and the outdoor spaces at Bloom

Clodagh Designs collaborated with Marc Phillips Rugs, left, the modular container garden by Louise Checa at Bord Bia Bloom, above right, and the Como garden furniture set at Caseys Furniture, below right.

IN FULL BLOOM

I’m taken by a few of the concepts for show gardens at Bord Bia Bloom 2024 which opened on Thursday at Dublin's Phoenix Park and continues until Monday. A Space for Possibilities: The Modular Container Garden, designed by Louise Checa and sponsored by Bord Bia, follows a hexagonal pattern inspired by bees, and can be fully customised at the design stage. 

A Space for Possibilities: The Modular Container Garden, Louise Checa. Picture: Fennells

Elements within the modular design are mobile and can be easily moved to suit the needs of the owners, to follow the sun through the course of the day, to change with the growing needs of a family, or to be transported to another garden when moving house.

Bloom 2024: The Sun Harness Garden, by Hendrik Lepel. Picture: Fennells

Sun Harness Garden, designed by Hendrik Lepel and sponsored by Peppermint Farm Glasshouses, shows how we can create a microclimate within any Irish garden by harnessing the sun’s energy.

The Brigid 1500 Commemorative Garden at Bloom 2024 in the medium show gardens section. Picture: Fennells

Kerry gardener and former RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner Billy Alexander of Kells Bay Gardens is also back at Bloom. 

Billy recently received the prestigious RHS Lawrence Medal in London for his 2023 exhibit at Chelsea.

Iness Ahern, Ceramifique, Cork, at the Design & Craft Council Ireland’s Irish Craft Village at Bord Bia Bloom. Picture: Marc O'Sullivan

The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) Irish Craft Village features workshops, demonstrations, and gifting opportunities.

Bloom runs until Monday, June 3.

• See BordBiaBloom

THAT’S ELEMENTAL

A new collection inspired by the elements caught our eye at Home.

They’re the result of a collaboration by the company of Irish-born New York designer Clodagh Designs with Marc Phillips Rugs. Clodagh was born Clodagh Phipps in the west of Ireland and is now known mononymously as Clodagh. There are five rugs in the collection, themed wood, metal, fire, water and earth.

Each element coordinates with specific energies to create balance and harmony in your space, according to Clodagh who adds: “The stars were in alignment when Clodagh Design met up with Marc Phillips. Our aesthetics and design senses are truly meant for each other!”

The Clodagh Design/Marc Phillips rug collection is priced at $120 USD per square foot (€111 per sq ft).

• See Clodagh

OUTER SPACE

Want to perk up a corner of your own outdoor room? The Como garden lounge set, RRP €2749, €2199 at Caseys Furniture, is made of rattan weave finished in natural tones. 

It features slate-grey cushions and is durable, weather-resistant and UV-protected.

• See Caseys