Gold for Fingal at Bloom 2023

Fingal County Council has been awarded a Gold Medal at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom festival for its remarkable show garden, “A Breathing Space for Fingal.”

This large-scale garden showcases its stunning collection of more than 3,000 perennial plants and mature trees, creating a forest bathing space within the grounds of Bord Bia Bloom.

Designed by the talented Jane McCorkell, “A Breathing Space for Fingal” showcases the invaluable contribution of well-designed open spaces to the overall liveability of our villages, towns, and cities.

This exceptional garden underscores the importance of incorporating nature into our everyday lives.

One of the remarkable aspects of this garden is its commitment to sustainability.

Nearly all construction materials used in its creation were recycled or upcycled from old materials sourced from Fingal County Council’s store yards.

This innovative approach highlights the council’s dedication to environmental conservation and its vision for a more sustainable future.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony, expressed his delight at the recognition: “We are incredibly proud to have received the gold medal at Bord Bia Bloom 2023. This remarkable garden reflects our commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive spaces that enhance the wellbeing of our communities.”

Following the conclusion of the Bloom festival, “A Breathing Space for Fingal” will find a permanent home as part of a Community Garden located in Lanesborough Park, Meakstown in Dublin 15.

The garden will also serve as a lasting tribute the people who endured hardships during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, reminding us of the importance of resilience and the healing power of nature.

Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer at Fingal said: “The garden’s focal point is the carefully curated selection of trees, representing a diverse range of species.

“Trees of varying heights, including multi-stem Cornus, birch, pine, bird cherry, and beech, all of which have been thoughtfully chosen to imitate the dense canopy found in natural forests.

“The arrangement of these trees creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore and unwind amidst the beauty of nature.”

For more information about “A Breathing Space for Fingal” please visit: https://www.fingal.ie/breathing-space-fingal-county-council-bloom-2023