Seven Bloom medals for Meath

Seven Bloom Medals have been awarded to garden designers and floral artists from Meath at the prestigious Bloom flower and food festival which begins in the Phoenix Park, Dublin today.

Brid Conroy from Tara has received a Silver-Gilt Medal for her “Despicable Me 3” medium show garden sponsored by Universal Studios. The garden is a fun and exciting space that highlights the contrasting personalities of Gru and his twin brother Dru, who arrived on cinema screens yesterday (Wednesday). Dru is everything that Gru is not – wealthy, charming, sophisticated, with a head of fabulous golden hair.

The garden is divided into two, each half representing their contrasting personalities. Gru’s house and garden embodies a dark space, containing plants and trees with dark foliage and flowers to match his personality. Dru’s side is a bright and welcoming space to match his cheerful personality and is packed full of colour. The garden is split down the centre by an oversized model of an ‘80s keytar belonging to new villain Balthazar Bratt. It has ‘80s music playing from boom boxes as well as an 8ft tall Gru and Dru.

Additionally, Navan Garden Centre and Boyne Garden Centre, Slane were awarded Gold Medals for their Nursery entries while Riverlane Nursery, Trim received a Silver-Gilt Medal. Helen Kelly from Stamullen received a Gold Medal for her Vision of Beauty Category submission in the AOIFA Floral Art Competition while Christine Foley from Kells received a Silver-Gilt Medal for her High Summer category entry and Beatrice Hertog from Warrenstown received a Silver Medal for her entry in The Evening Shades Prevail category.

Bord Bia announced the details of all award winners as the gates opened this morning on the annual five-day event, which runs until Monday.

Speaking about the awards, Gary Graham, Bord Bia’s festival manager said, “Before Bloom opened its doors to the public this morning, each of the show gardens, nursery displays, floral artistry and postcard gardens were adjudicated over two days by an independent panel of judges. We are delighted to be awarding more than 100 awards this morning which is testament to the high standard of garden design, nursery and floral artistry available in Ireland. After more than 30 days building the site here in the Phoenix Park, we are excited to finally be able to share these stunning displays with the public.”