A blooming success

Cavan and Monaghan gardeners received gold, silver, bronze and highly commended accolades at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom. Knockbride’s Barry Kavanagh achieved a gold medal and best in category for ‘The Birdwatcher’s Balcony Garden’, which was designed with a grandfather and granddaughter’s love of birdwatching in mind.

The tranquil space included discreet watch spots and high-tech birdwatching technology, with the quote ‘In order to see birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence’ by Robert Lynd beautifully painted on the back wall.

Speaking to the Celt, Barry said it felt “fantastic” to win his fourth gold medal at Bloom.

Gold also went to Truagh man Declan McKenna for his creation; the ‘Celebrity Dream Garden inspired by Brendan Courtney’. With TV presenter Brendan’s tastes in mind, Declan curated a space for recovery, relaxation and entertaining with a plunge pool and shower, a quiet space to read a book and a larger entertaining area with plenty of greenery and colourful flowers surrounding.

In-house designer at Monaghan’s Silverstream Landscapes Declan McKenna said he felt “absolutely delighted” upon receiving the news his garden had won gold earlier that morning. “I’m delighted that we were able to achieve gold for everybody’s hard work,” he said.

Meanwhile spectators had the chance to meet minions James and Henry at ‘The Minions and Monsters Garden’ by Clontibret’s Benny Magennis, who claimed bronze.

Among the Flowers Farmers of Ireland growers was Julie Magee Karlshoj with her Kill-grown blooms. The group’s cutting garden contained flowers which were all suitable for cutting and bouquet making. They received a silver medal from the judges.

“We’re delighted with it,” Julie beamed.

At the ‘Community Tea’ garden by the Cornafean GAA Health and Wellbeing group, a highly commended certificate sat on a chair crafted by the DIY Group at the club.

Their postcard garden comprised around 300 planted cups from households in the community with other elements made by the various groups which gather at Cornafean GAA grounds.

“The Health and Wellbeing Club that are over the garden, they run everything for everybody to be inclusive. They have something for everybody; young, old and kids,” Therese Johnston, who is a member of the community, shared.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the club and the community and the effort that everybody has put in. It’s just amazing, people have worked so hard,” she continued. Meanwhile, Marion McGee from Monaghan Flower and Garden Club was awarded a gold medal in the Rugged Beauty Category.

Spectators were also impressed with the display at Bloom. The Celt bumped into Secretary of Kingscourt Gardening Club Johanna Chaney who observed how gardening has “changed” over the past few years. “I’m after looking at a garden and it was all wild; what you would see growing in the forests. All that is coming back, I don’t have to lose my life when I see a dandelion in the lawn anymore.

“Whereas years ago, you wouldn’t have a daisy, or a buttercup. You wouldn’t have anything in your lawn. It was much more rigid years ago and it’s just wonderful now. We’re learning more about the bees, the butterflies, the birds.”Meanwhile, Helen Drumm of Sound Quality Gifts in County Monaghan was walking around Bloom with her microphone and camera at the ready. The TikTok regular has amassed nearly 69K followers on the platform, and admired “all the beauty around us”. “It is lovely meeting and greeting people and having the fun.

“It’s a beautiful day out, it’s like being on holidays,” she commented.

Judging at Bloom took place early last week, while awards were handed out on Thursday, to the delight of local participants.