Certificate of Distinction for Longford Bloom Garden

Grian Árd by Granard Motte Community Enterprise CLG, Longford received a Certificate of Distinction (Granard, Longford) at this year's Bord Bia Bloom.

The Longford entrant received the medal awarded for the postcard garden. Bord Bia Bloom Garden's are to encouraging sustainable living and excellence in garden design.

GMCE Clg Heritage Garden designed by Déirdre Orme has was awarded the highest accolade in their category.

The name 'Grian Árd' references the old gaelic term for Granard; where once the sun was worshipped. This is reflected in the handmade botanical cast - a focal point of the garden.

Explaining of her garden creation Déirdre said: “Granard is a beacon hill connected to Uisneach, the nave of Éireann. Legend has it that the sacred bile tree fell north to Granard.

“The Grian Árd garden documents this story and how the seeds of the ancient bile have set root and grown, reflecting a flourishing rural community. Every element of the garden has a story.”

The garden portrays how the peatland hinterland of Granard is transitioning through time.

The sustainable garden is created by many creative hands: “All elements are sustainably sourced,” Déirdre says, “The wooden decking is inspired by tales of the ancient causeway 'Slighe Assail' and Warrior Queen Méabh. The guardian stones frame the garden - providing a glimpse through a time portal to a sacred space.”

A show garden encouraging developers to incorporate biodiversity, planting of new woodlands and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) into housing developments was awarded the best large garden at Bord Bia Bloom.

The ‘Coming Home to Nature’ garden designed by Nicola Haines for Fingal County Council also received a new special award for sustainability as judges said it showcased best practice in sustainable garden design while communicating an important message on water conservation and management which is key to the future of housing development.

A total of 19 medals were awarded to show gardens, including eight medals to garden designers exhibiting for the first time at Bord Bia Bloom.

The judging panels for Bord Bia Bloom includes 13 Irish and international horticultural and design experts, who judge show gardens, postcard gardens, nursery displays, AOIFA Floral Art and botanical and floral art.

The festival was officially opened by Bord Bia Bloom patron, President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Sabina Higgins.

Ireland’s favourite festival of flowers, food and fun ran from May 30 to June 3.