Peter Dowdall: We might not have the budget or space for a show garden, but Bloom winners like this show us what is possible 

Native plants alongside drought-tolerant species reflect the need for resilience and sustainability in modern Irish  gardens

The overall medium garden category award was presented to The ‘Future in Mind’ garden, sponsored by the Mental Health Commission and designed by Joe Eustace.

Gardening festivals like Bloom are filled with opportunities. Opportunities for Bord Bia to showcase the very best of Irish horticulture, food and creativity. Opportunities for designers to demonstrate their skill and imagination. Opportunities for homeowners to gather inspiration and ideas for their own gardens. But perhaps most importantly, opportunities to tell stories through gardens and garden design.

Many of us could only dream of achieving a full show garden standard in our own gardens. We may not have the budget, the space or perhaps even the inclination.