First-time Kildare show garden designers sought for Bord Bia Bloom

Bord Bia has announced the third year of its 'Cultivating Talent' programme.

Sponsored by Westland Horticulture, the programme aims to nurture the next generation of garden designers and horticulture professionals.

It also offers financial support and one-to-one mentoring to a first-time Bord Bia Bloom designer. 

Speaking about the experience, Kildare man Joe Eustace, who won the inaugural programme in 2023 and returned to Bord Bia Bloom with his own show garden in 2024, said: "I was following Bord Bia Bloom for years as a spectator as I had a huge interest in garden and landscape design, but I would have always thought it was something that was above me.

"I heard about the Cultivating Talent initiative through my college network and going from a spectator to being involved has given me a huge boost as a designer.

"I would say to anyone thinking of it, apply, apply, apply; 100 per cent go for it!"

"It was a great experience; I learned so much being on-site and seeing how the experts were approaching their gardens."

He concluded: "It allowed me to learn about the importance of producing a set of drawings that can be read and applied to the site, and the key differences between designing a show garden versus a client garden, which is where the one-to-one mentorship was invaluable."

Kerrie Gardiner, who is the Show Gardens and Horticulture Content Manager with Bord Bia Bloom, also said: "We want to create a pipeline of new talent into Ireland’s horticulture industry.

"Over the years, we have found that many prospective show garden designers do not put themselves forward to design a garden at Bloom as they are concerned about how it will be financed.

"Through this initiative, the successful finalist will be provided with funding to create the garden, along with mentoring from one of our award-winning show garden designers."

She concluded by saying: "We hope this attractive proposition will bring fresh faces to Bloom and provide first time designers with an opportunity to kick-start their career."

Ultra Marathon runner looking for Kildare support for latest challenge

Route passing through Athy and Monasterevin

‘Older, Bolder and Wiser’ at Lawlor’s Hotel with Barbara Scully

Fun night promised

WHO SHOULD APPLY

'Cultivating Talent' is open to garden designers and landscape architects who wish to bring their first show garden to Bord Bia Bloom in 2025.

According to the organisers, they are looking for designers 'who have a strong vision for a theme and design that communicates a unique message or story.'

"All gardens should be designed with the environment in mind, and measures to support biodiversity should be incorporated as standard," the organisers added.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

For more information visit www.bordbiabloom.com/participate. 

Bord Bia Bloom takes place from May 29, 2025 to June 2, 2025.