Minister of State for Food Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle will attend the 11th Bloom gardening festival in the Phoenix Park over the bank holiday weekend.
Doyle said: “Every year Bloom get bigger and better, this year there will be 22 show gardens; 13 postcard gardens; 50 floral and botanical art displays and 110 food and drink stands.
“I am delighted that 15 Wicklow businesses and food producers will be showcasing their products in Bloom.
“They include The Happy Pear, Sadies Kitchen, The Irish Nettle Company, O’Hanlon Herbs, Miena’s Handmade Nougat, Manor Brewing and Wicklow Way Wines.
“They can be located at the food market, Bloom Inn and the business area. It’s great to see the ‘Garden of Ireland’ living up to its name at this year’s Bloom.
“I want to extend my hearty congratulations to John Durston who lives in Ashford, Wicklow; John won gold in the medium garden category, for his fascinating garden called ‘Nature’s Resurgence’.
“This garden is about the inclusion of salvaged materials amongst a carefully selected planting scheme that reflects modern day’s life’s struggle for balance and equilibrium. The subtle use of water adds to the sensory experience of Natures Resurgence.
“The OPW’s support and provision of 70 acres at the heart of the Phoenix Park has assisted Bord Bia in developing a show with a greater diversity of content than more traditional garden shows.
“Bord Bia’s wider remit across food, drink and horticulture has enabled the development a consumer show that engages the public with artisan and Bord Bia Quality Assured food, allowing the public to meet Ireland’s top chefs and cooks.”