I am looking forward to the forthcoming 'Bloom' festival in the Phoenix Park.
The event is from Thursday, May 28th to Monday, June 1st. It is expected to attract record number of visitors. Tickets are going on sale shortly with 3 different dates confirmed. The event is to be held in association with Bord Bia.
As part of the annual show, Bord Bia intends to build a replica of First Lady Michelle Obama's Whitehouse Garden to promote the importance of healthy eating and to educate visitors on planting, harvesting and cooking your own food.
According to Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia, "Bloom has continued to evolve since its launch and this year will reflect the rapidly changing environment that consumers are now experiencing. In times of economic uncertainty the role of the garden becomes increasingly important and we begin to recognise the significant health, social, economic and environmental benefits of gardening. This is reflected in the widespread trend in "growing your own" and the rise in both home and garden entertainment. Bloom 2009 will offer ideas and inspiration to help all those who wish to explore the full possibilities and make the most of their gardens."
I certainly intend to attend one of the dates over the weekend, to see how to grow your own food organically, especially since I am renting my own allotments up in Beechpark allotments, Clonsilla in D15.
I think the importance of growing your own food, knowing about food sustainability and the best suited foods to grow in Ireland is very important given the high prices, importing costs, and local sourcing of foods in our community.
Fiann O'Nuallain, a medal winner at Bloom 2007 and 2008, has joined forces with UNICEF Ireland to create a garden aimed at encouraging Ireland's younger generation to learn more about horticulture and climate change. In preparation for Bloom, Fiann will work with a group of students aged between 14 - 17 years who are part of UNICEF Ireland's nine month climate change programme. These students are 'climate ambassadors' who will represent Ireland at an international summit in Copenhagen this December. I plan to meet, advise and work alongside these young Unicef representatives to promote the event, blog about it here and work with these guys on the social media side of things. I also plan to get the sustainable organization Cultivate, involved with the group.
Whitehouse Garden comes to Phoenix Park
Bord Bia will recreate the recently launched Whitehouse vegetable garden at Bloom. The garden will incorporate a range of the vegetables chosen by Michelle Obama, in addition to some of Ireland's favorite vegetables such potatoes, cabbage and turnips. Bord Bia also plans to feature a 'Best In Season' plot and a community garden with a number of helpers to provide top tips and advice.
Fun for all the family
Bord Bia is encouraging families to come along and enjoy a day-long stay at Bloom festival. This year, kids can enter free of charge and the event will incorporate many more family orientated attractions and activities. Children's workshops and classes will include everything from pottery making and basket weaving to how to build a bird table and tips on growing organic food. Imaginosity, the children's museum based in Sandyford, Co. Dublin, will also be onsite running story telling tents among other interactive activities.
Crafty Work
For the second year running, the Crafts Council of Ireland will bring a mix of craft experiences to Bloom. Unique large-scale sculptural pieces by five designer-makers will be on show, while the Craft Village will see up to 30 craft makers showcasing a variety of disciplines including glassmaking, woodturning, ceramics, jewelery, candle-making and more. In addition, the Irish Craft Guilds will host daily demonstrations such as felt-making, basket-making and calligraphy.
For more info on 'Bloom', contact 0818300260.
