Ava (8) and Ben (5) Simunyu from Dublin at the launch of Bord Bia Bloom.
The celebrated outdoor festival, now in its sixteenth year, will be held in-person following two virtual #BloomAtHome events. With a surge in consumer interest in gardening and the outdoors accelerated by world events over the last two years, this year’s festival will celebrate the role outdoor spaces can play in promoting positive mental and physical health. In addition, the importance of living more sustainably and protecting biodiversity will feature throughout the festival.
From flowers to food and family fun, there is something for everyone at this year’s festival. Bord Bia Bloom spans 70-acres encompassing the Visitor Centre in the Phoenix Park and while predominantly an outdoor event in 2019, organisers are bringing even more of the features into the open air this year.
Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO said: “Bord Bia is delighted to return to the Phoenix Park for our annual showcase of the best of Irish gardening, horticulture, food and drink. It’s great to once again bring together the many talented people who are a part of Bord Bia Bloom, from garden designers and growers; to food producers, conservationists, chefs, musicians and artists. Bord Bia has made additional efforts this year to maintain a safe and environmentally sound space for all to enjoy, while ensuring that visitors come away enthused about how they can enhance their outdoor environments in a sustainable way. Whether you’re a regular attendee, a new gardening enthusiast, or simply looking to enjoy a great day out, there’s plenty to inspire people over the five days.”
This year 19 stunning show gardens will form the centrepiece of Bord Bia Bloom. The Peter McVerry Trust will take part for the first time with the Pathways to Home garden, designed to represent the journey from homelessness and sleeping rough to living in a safe and secure home; while the Croí Cardiovascular Garden aims to educate visitors about heart health. The new Green Cities Europe initiative, will feature a show garden highlighting the opportunity to make our public spaces greener through well considered planting and design; Aldi’s Sustainable For-rest Garden will showcase forest gardening, one of the oldest eco-friendly horticultural practices; and two of this year’s show gardens will focus on creating accessible garden spaces including gardens by Enable Ireland and 2020 Super Garden winner, Mark Hoey, who will recreate his wheelchair friendly garden.
Ireland’s sustainable food production systems will also feature in a number of the gardens at this year’s event including the National Dairy Council Sustainable Dairy Garden which will highlight the role of lush green pastures in producing quality milk; The Organic Edible Garden will showcase how best to grow a range of organic edible crops (vegetables and fruits) in tandem with nature, and the Eat Well, Live Well feature garden will showcase Ireland’s fresh produce industry with a planting display of in-season fruit, vegetables and potatoes.
As always, the Food Village is set to be a hive of activity with more than 90 food producers showcasing the best of Irish food; from chocolate to smoked salmon, cheese to beetroot juice, artisan sausages, fresh vegetables and meats, coffee and jams. The Bloom Inn will offer the finest craft brews and spirits from all over the country. The Quality Kitchen stage will feature some of Ireland’s leading chefs including Neven Maguire, Rory O’Connell, Fiona Uyema, Catherine Fulvio, Edward Hayden and Gary O’Hanlon.
Visit bordbiabloom.com for information on the event and to book tickets.