Sunshine, showers and symbolism: nobody does summer quite like the people at Bord Bia Bloom

No one does summer quite like the people at Bord Bia Bloom, and with plenty of show-stopping large gardens and mini “postcard” gardens to enjoy, it was easy to get lost among the designs on show.

While there were some rain showers throughout the day, they could not dampen the spirits of organisers and attendees.

Nicola Haines, the designer of the pioneering “Coming Home to Nature” show garden sponsored by Fingal County Council, received the ultimate prize of Best Large Garden.

With the People’s Choice Award yet to be announced, the grounds of the festival were buzzing with excitement yesterday as visitors viewed the show gardens and voted for their favourites. The winner of the award will be announced on Monday.

Many festival-goers were drawn to the imposing structure created by Liat and Oliver Schurman of Mount Venus Nursery.

Their “In Perspective” show garden, sponsored by the European Commission, aims to showcase the values of the EU Green Deal.

The wooden structure, which took four weeks to build and eight days to erect, is inspired by early human settle­ments and allows the visitor to connect with nature.

Mr Schurman said about the piece: “You get that feeling of enclosure and peace. The structure is totally translucent and transparent – it is very light, but at the same time it feels like it is protecting you.

“The way we organised the planting really blends into the landscape and suddenly you become a part of a much greater landscape and you are just an element of it. It’s a nice feeling to feel smaller than nature.”

Mr Schurman also explained that they incorporated religious motifs into their design.

“Life is so connected to any religion. There is a bit of that symbolism, not to push it too far, but it is there. There is a natural way to the way things work,” he said.

There are 13 postcard gardens at this year’s festival, created by amateur gardeners from community groups, schools and training groups from across the country.

Technology teacher Sheila Plunkett’s “Domain Bheaga na gCuimhní Cinn –Little World of Memories” garden was created in association with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Four rings of earth and moss are layered on top of each other, representing how different senses overlap to form memories. There are small figurines depicting scenes of every day life.

Ms Plunkett’s explanations of the personal stories that inspired them moved some festival-goers to tears.

“Everyone has a story like this. It is personal to many people,” she said.

Her attention to detail is one of the most noteworthy elements about her garden, as is her use of sensory elements.

“Senses are really important for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” she said.

Her garden also features metal plants, each engraved with the name of someone who is currently living with or has died due to Alzheimer’s disease, and many of the plants in the garden possess healing properties.

The Ballyfoyle Community Garden was created by the a community group from Kilkenny. Michael Brennan, the designer, has created a love letter to Kilkenny itself and placed significant emphasis on the county’s rich history.

The garden’s miniature models of Norman moats, Kilkenny Castle and Dunmore Cave are all made from loc­ally sourced materials.

“To make a community work, people just need to get together and build something together,” Mr Brennan said.

Bord Bia Bloom runs until Monday.