Westmeath floral artists, Ann J Mina and Mary Weir, are among 50 floral and botanical artists to exhibit at Bloom 2017.
Run by Bord Bia and now in its 11th year, Bloom showcases the best of Ireland’s horticultural and food industry. This year’s event will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin for five days, June 1 to 5.
According to Bord Bia, Bloom 2017 will feature 22 spectacular show gardens created by award-winning garden designers.
Organisations such as Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin; Enable Ireland; Trocaire; Pieta House and Oxfam/GOAL have collaborated with a number of seasoned and new Bloom designers to create show gardens capturing a range of societal issues that resonate on a global scale.
Other engaging show gardens will include the Despicable Me 3 garden by Universal Studios; a dog-friendly garden in association with Dogs Trust; and gardens exploring Ireland’s farming and food production heritage; Dublin City’s plans to ‘green’ the city; and an innovative tidal water-landscape garden.
Speaking at the launch, Gary Graham, Bord Bia’s Bloom show manager said: “The festival has developed and grown into something which not only makes for a great day out, but also offers a platform to learn a wide range of practical information on everything from gardening, to growing fruit and vegetables, cooking, culture and politics”.
Bloom will showcase the best of Ireland’s thriving food industry from The Food Village, with more than 25 live cookery demonstrations by Neven Maguire, Catherine Fulvio, Rory O’Connell, and Roz Purcell.
The Bloom Inn will feature some of Ireland’s best craft brewers and distillers and the BBQ Bliss area will offer tasty summer barbecue delights. The GIY Zone will host daily workshops, discussion and debate bringing together Ireland’s leading food writers, chefs, nutritionists, and journalists
In addition there will be live TV and radio broadcasts, children’s entertainment, and a conservation area featuring the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Association and the Irish Wildlife Trust. The Irish Craft Village will present a selection of work from some of Ireland’s most creative designers and makers, as well as a series of craft demonstrations.
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster and can also be purchased on the gate. Ticket prices vary from €16 - €22.50 and children under 16 go free. For more information visit www.bloominthepark.ie or follow Bloom on Facebook and Twitter @bloominthepark.
