Flower & Garden Shows

A Blooming Time

Switzerland has simply divine alpine flowers and Italy is known for their spectacular exotics such as Bougainvillea. France is famous for their massive fields of Lavender. Much farther afield in places like Australia there are the awesome Birds of Paradise or the Apple Blossoms of Japan. But let’s not bow our head in the green island of Ireland as we have our own delightful perennials. The beauty of perennials is that they bloom each year with not too much heavy work involved. We are also fortunate that our cities have lots of little green spaces; akin to nooks and crannies and usually awash with wildflower blooms.

The vibrant colours and variety of species grown here is something that we can be justly proud of. This is a country that attracts visitors who are members of garden clubs or just green fingered individuals who love flowers. Every year we are in awe by the number of attendees at shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show in London, the Philadelphia Flower Show in the U.S and of course our own Bloom Show in Dublin. Gardening and all things flowery are extremely popular.

In Ireland we have numerous gardens open to the public ranging from our superb National Botanic Gardens in Dublin to the likes of St. Brigit’s Gardens in Connemara. Our national parks attract thousands of visitors but you will never feel crowded because there are many to visit from Glenveagh in Co. Donegal to Killarney in Co. Kerry. Private gardens such as those at Marlfield House in Co. Wexford also offer guests garden walks whilst enjoying the hospitality of staying in a luxurious country house hotel with delicious fine food.

I grew up watching Gardeners World on television when Percy Thrower was its presenter and still enjoy this wonderfully enduring programme where the relaxed Monty Don is now in situ as one of the hosts. Looking at gardens from one’s armchair is fine but nothing compared to the real thing. I have no doubt that there is a special green space near you so go outdoors and fill your vision and senses with the annual wonder of nature’s Blooms.