Pretty and petite

Calling all community garden groups, your green fingers are wanted!

Bord Bia is calling for Cork gardening groups and enthusiasts to participate at Bord Bia Bloom by designing and delivering their very own green space at the celebrated summer event.

The popular Postcard Gardens feature provides community groups, schools, charitable organisations and garden clubs with the opportunity to tell local stories to a national audience through creative garden design. The Postcard Gardens are one of the many horticultural attractions at the much-loved flowers, food and family festival which returns to the Phoenix Park, Dublin for five days over the June Bank Holiday Weekend from 29 May-2 June.

Kerrie Gardiner, Showgardens and Horticulture Content Manager, Bord Bia Bloom said: “The pretty and petite Postcard Gardens are a much-loved feature each year at Bord Bia Bloom and for good reason! These green canvases transport visitors into local communities through storytelling, using the medium of planting to bring concepts to life.

“Last year’s showcase included themes of mini forests, Irish mythology, biodiversity, charitable issues and even mathematical sequencing! We look forward to receiving applications of fresh, new ideas from interested parties of all ages from right around the country.”

As the name suggests, the gardens, which measure just 3m x 2m, are proof that wonderful outdoor spaces can be created at any size. Returning for 2025 as sponsor of the popular feature is Tirlán CountryLife.

The farmer-owned group has qualified horticulturists in its garden centres to provide helpful tips and advice to newbie customers and seasoned gardeners alike.

Ann Meaney, Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, Tirlán said: “Tirlán CountryLife is delighted to sponsor the Bord Bia Bloom Postcard Gardens for a second year.

“This partnership showcases our longstanding commitment to sustainability and community engagement. We operate a network of 15 garden centres in communities across the southeast and midlands, all of which have their own in-store horticulturists.

“Bloom and the Postcard Gardens provides a unique platform to further connect with gardening enthusiasts right across the country, along with showcasing the power of community gardening. We’re excited to once again bring our passion for horticulture to life through this incredible event and can’t wait to see the creativity of this year’s participants.”

Visitors to this year’s event can expect another colourful mix of inspiring show gardens designed by leading garden designers, expert horticultural talks and advice, a vast collection of rare and quality plants from Irish and International plant nurseries, sustainable living discussions along with delicious local food and interactive entertainment for visitors of all ages.

For more information on the Postcard Gardens and to download an application form, visit BordBiaBloom.com. The closing date for applications is Thursday 6 March.