Tipperary 'Substance Abuse' postcard garden commended at Bloom Garden Festival

As the gates opened on the opening morning of Bord Bia Bloom in the Phoenix Park, Dublin today a total of 36 medals were handed out to show gardens; plant nurseries and floral and botanical art exhibits ahead of the five-day festival opening to the public today at 9am.

The judging panels for Bord Bia Bloom includes 14 Irish and international horticultural experts judging Show Gardens, Postcard gardens, nursery displays, and botanical and floral art. From Tipperary, Substance Misuse Service – social and therapeutic horticulture programme were commended in the Postcard Garden display.

Postcard Gardens

These small, but perfectly formed gardening showcases feature exhibits that tell the stories of charities and community groups. Clonmel’s “The Colour Purple – A Journey of Substance Misuse” Postcard Garden has been developed by service users in recovery. It portrays life stories and lived experiences where the service user absorbs the evolution of knowledge and a willingness to embrace the light. This garden encapsulates a substance misuse journey of recovery, depicted from left to right in the planting scheme. It illustrates a pathway of discovery on the journey of social and therapeutic horticulture. While this involves hard work, physical activity, and learning, there is always time for a cup of tea.  

Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia Chief Executive, congratulated the awards winners announced today: “The medals awarded this morning is testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Irish horticulture community and we are incredibly proud to showcase this talent. As we prepare to open the doors to Bloom 2023, I’d like to thank and acknowledge all those involved whose sheer dedication has helped Bord Bia to deliver what we believe will be a unique and truly uplifting experience for this year’s visitors.”  

Opening day

The festival will be officially opened by Bord Bia Bloom patron, President Michael D. Higgins, with his wife Sabina at 10am. In addition to the stunning gardens, the event offers a variety of activities and experiences including live talks across five stages, performances and activities in the Budding Bloomers Kid’s Zone, cookery demonstrations on the Quality Kitchen Stage, and musical performances.

Bord Bia Bloom continues in the Phoenix Park until Monday 5th June. To stay up to date with #BordBiaBloom2023 news, sign up to the Bloom Ezine at bordbiabloom.com and follow us on social media – @BordBiaBloom on Twitter, Instagram and Face book.  

* A full list of all awards can be accessed here: bordbiabloom.com/2023winners

Tickets are on sale here priced from €25 per person and two children under 16 can attend for free with every adult ticket purchased.