LOCAL gardener, Padraic Woods from Blanchardstown, has designed a garden that will be exhibited at this weekend’s Bloom Festival, which takes place in Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday weekend.
The garden, Padraic’s first entry in the garden showcase, is sponsored by St John of God Hospital, Stillorgan.
Entitled ‘Sharing the Load, the garden is designed to shine a light on mental health.
Padraic is a self-employed garden designer whose sibling suffers from bi-polar and borderline personality disorder.
Through the use of planting and a central garden structure, Padraic’s garden depicts how those suffering from mental health issues can feel, as well as the positives that can be achieved by seeking help.
A Blanchardstown native, Padraic receieved a Higher National Diploma in Landscape Design from Dun Laoghaire Senior College in 2014.
The main garden structure is a giant see-saw that depicts the highs and lows that are experienced by people suffering with mental health issues.
Tight planting of trees to the rear of the garden creates a shaded area, which represents how a person suffering from deep depression can feel.
Dark coloured planting and plants with spikes and thorns depict a person who is trying to block out the world because they are finding it difficult to cope.
Loose gravel from the centre of the tunnel towards the rear of the garden will give the sense of instability.
In contrast, the front of the garden is a colourful, bright, positive space. A number of Cupresses Sempervirens are used to highlight to those suffering from mental health issues that they are not alone and that with the right help and support, they can start to enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Paving will start from the centre of the tunnel and finish at the front of the garden, again to show that life gets easier when help is sought.
“I see Bloom as a unique opportunity to shine a light on mental health rather than my expertise as a garden designer,” said Padraic.
“My garden depicts how sufferers can feel and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when help is sought.”
Emma Balmaine, Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Hospital, commented: “St John of God Hospital is delighted to sponsor Padraic’s ‘Sharing the Load’ garden at Bloom.
“It provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on mental health whilst beautifully and imaginatively demonstrating that there is light at the end of the tunnel and recovery is possible.”
Bloom in the Park takes place from June 2-6 at the Phoenix Park and Padraic’s ‘Sharing the Load’ garden can be found in the show garden area.
Following the show, Padraic will deconstruct the show garden and rebuild it on the grounds of St John of God Hospital in Stillorgan, using the same materials and planting.
