It is that time of year when Bloom takes place in our capital. Organised by Bord Bia, it brings together the very best of horticulture, food and entertainment to the public.
It is set in the Phoenix Park, which in itself is steeped in history, perhaps being the largest enclosed park in Europe, covering 1,750ac. It is superbly managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As gardeners, we all need a little inspiration from time to time and Bord Bia Bloom is where you will find it. It is very accessible, with good bus connectivity from the city and Heuston Station and acres of parking also available.
At Bloom you will find inspiration for your garden and experts there to deal with your queries too. I always say to visitors, don’t be overwhelmed about what is on show. All gardens are exceptional displays of horticultural design and full of ideas for you to take home.
There might be a few design touches that you can replicate in your own garden or more likely plant combinations that please the eye. This year at Bord Bia Bloom there will be many clever ideas to inspire you, developed by passionate gardeners who understand what a green space should be in the modern times we live in.
All gardens come with a message that highlights issues which we are all dealing with in our everyday lives. The EU Commission garden features 27 trees, one representing each member state with the message that their intertwining reflects our strength in working together.
The 90th year of Met Éireann is highlighted with a focus on our changing climate.
Health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and there is a garden that reflects the journey cancer patients undergo on the road to recovery. Multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer, is featured in a garden design. It guides the visitor through different garden spaces reflecting the diagnosis, treatment, recovery, long-term remission and ongoing resilience. Gardens that focus on mental health are also featured.
Having time to relax and unwind in your own home environment is emphasised too with spaces that create that very ambience.
We all need connectivity with others in our community and what better way to do that than with a collective effort to develop a community garden in which to grow plants and vegetables.
A garden constructed entirely from recycled materials shows a way in which our outdoor spaces can be constructed with material readily available from what might otherwise be going to landfill.
A feature becoming more common at Bord Bia Bloom are balcony gardens. It is amazing what can be created in a small space. All balcony gardens can be easily modified to fit in small patios. Postcard Gardens are also a feature of garden design at Bloom. These are designed by community groups, garden clubs and schools to design and deliver a feature on a tiny plot of 3m x 2m. There is great ingenuity and talent involved.
Plants, of course, are what a lot of visitors come to Bord Bia Bloom to see. At opening time, I am always amazed at the rush to get to the nursery stands to pick the best of what is available. Little do visitors know that nursery people stock up afresh every day so there is no need to panic.
There is plenty to learn too. The Garden Stage features talks by many top horticulturists providing information and worthwhile tips.
The Kitchen Stage is always a big hit with many of Ireland’s celebrity chefs.
The key to Bord Bia Bloom is to get there early, get your brochure and plan your day. If you’re planning on making some purchases, avail of the plant crèche and a ‘wheelbarrow taxi’ which will take your plants to your car.
Will you do it all in a day? Yes, it is quite possible and you’ll come home laden with plants and ideas for the year ahead.
Q&A How can I rescue my hydrangea?
Pale blue and mauve hydrangeas in the sunlight.
My hydrangeas have a lot of dead wood and very few leaves this year. They are almost dead-looking. What’s the reason for this? – Deirdre, Co Cork.
I would examine the soil they are growing in, is it compact or was it waterlogged during winter? It may also be the case that a cold snap occurred after what was a mild winter and this could have set them back. I am assuming that they were healthy up to this.
Check all dead wood by scraping off some bark and if it is green underneath there is still hope. If this isn’t the case then old branches can be removed back to fresh growth. Lightly fork over the soil underneath and apply a mulch and some tree and shrub
Pests and diseases: be on the lookout for aphids as early control will reap
benefits. Use diluted soap solutions or source Biological Control available from garden centres.
Climbers: check supports for climbers and continue to tie in growth
as it extends. Create bamboo ‘wigwams’ for sweet peas.
Vegetables: in well-prepared soil continue to sow beetroot, lettuce, salad onions, turnips. Sow small
quantities and save seed for further sowing.
Do you have a gardening question? Email
icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
It is that time of year when Bloom takes place in our capital. Organised by Bord Bia, it brings together the very best of horticulture, food and entertainment to the public.
It is set in the Phoenix Park, which in itself is steeped in history, perhaps being the largest enclosed park in Europe, covering 1,750ac. It is superbly managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As gardeners, we all need a little inspiration from time to time and Bord Bia Bloom is where you will find it. It is very accessible, with good bus connectivity from the city and Heuston Station and acres of parking also available.
At Bloom you will find inspiration for your garden and experts there to deal with your queries too. I always say to visitors, don’t be overwhelmed about what is on show. All gardens are exceptional displays of horticultural design and full of ideas for you to take home.
There might be a few design touches that you can replicate in your own garden or more likely plant combinations that please the eye. This year at Bord Bia Bloom there will be many clever ideas to inspire you, developed by passionate gardeners who understand what a green space should be in the modern times we live in.
All gardens come with a message that highlights issues which we are all dealing with in our everyday lives. The EU Commission garden features 27 trees, one representing each member state with the message that their intertwining reflects our strength in working together.
The 90th year of Met Éireann is highlighted with a focus on our changing climate.
Health is at the forefront of everyone’s minds and there is a garden that reflects the journey cancer patients undergo on the road to recovery. Multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer, is featured in a garden design. It guides the visitor through different garden spaces reflecting the diagnosis, treatment, recovery, long-term remission and ongoing resilience. Gardens that focus on mental health are also featured.
Having time to relax and unwind in your own home environment is emphasised too with spaces that create that very ambience.
We all need connectivity with others in our community and what better way to do that than with a collective effort to develop a community garden in which to grow plants and vegetables.
A garden constructed entirely from recycled materials shows a way in which our outdoor spaces can be constructed with material readily available from what might otherwise be going to landfill.
A feature becoming more common at Bord Bia Bloom are balcony gardens. It is amazing what can be created in a small space. All balcony gardens can be easily modified to fit in small patios. Postcard Gardens are also a feature of garden design at Bloom. These are designed by community groups, garden clubs and schools to design and deliver a feature on a tiny plot of 3m x 2m. There is great ingenuity and talent involved.
Plants, of course, are what a lot of visitors come to Bord Bia Bloom to see. At opening time, I am always amazed at the rush to get to the nursery stands to pick the best of what is available. Little do visitors know that nursery people stock up afresh every day so there is no need to panic.
There is plenty to learn too. The Garden Stage features talks by many top horticulturists providing information and worthwhile tips.
The Kitchen Stage is always a big hit with many of Ireland’s celebrity chefs.
The key to Bord Bia Bloom is to get there early, get your brochure and plan your day. If you’re planning on making some purchases, avail of the plant crèche and a ‘wheelbarrow taxi’ which will take your plants to your car.
Will you do it all in a day? Yes, it is quite possible and you’ll come home laden with plants and ideas for the year ahead.
Q&A How can I rescue my hydrangea?
Pale blue and mauve hydrangeas in the sunlight.
My hydrangeas have a lot of dead wood and very few leaves this year. They are almost dead-looking. What’s the reason for this? – Deirdre, Co Cork.
I would examine the soil they are growing in, is it compact or was it waterlogged during winter? It may also be the case that a cold snap occurred after what was a mild winter and this could have set them back. I am assuming that they were healthy up to this.
Check all dead wood by scraping off some bark and if it is green underneath there is still hope. If this isn’t the case then old branches can be removed back to fresh growth. Lightly fork over the soil underneath and apply a mulch and some tree and shrub
Pests and diseases: be on the lookout for aphids as early control will reap
benefits. Use diluted soap solutions or source Biological Control available from garden centres.
Climbers: check supports for climbers and continue to tie in growth
as it extends. Create bamboo ‘wigwams’ for sweet peas.
Vegetables: in well-prepared soil continue to sow beetroot, lettuce, salad onions, turnips. Sow small
quantities and save seed for further sowing.
Do you have a gardening question? Email
icl@farmersjournal.ie or post to Irish Country Living, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12.
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