Latest news with #RobertMoore
Agriland
3 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Bord Bia's Bloom attracts 100,000 visitors over five day festival
Bord Bia's annual Bloom festival, held annually over the June Bank Holiday weekend, attracted 100,000 visitors this year according to figures released on its concluding day (Monday, June 2). The gardening and food festival which takes place each year in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, was originally launched to promote plants, garden design, horticulture and gardening. However over nearly two decades Bord Bia has developed the festival to also create a food and drink experience and promote learning experiences in gardening, growing fruit and vegetables, cooking and culture. Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia's chief executive, believes the festival now has an 'enduring popularity'. He added: 'Bloom 2025 has been a fantastic success — we welcomed wonderful crowds over the five days, enjoyed mostly favourable weather, and the atmosphere throughout the show has been incredibly positive. 'As we wrap up this year's event, excitement is already building for a very special milestone: Bord Bia Bloom's 20th anniversary in 2026.' Bloom Two of the key themes of each Bord Bia Bloom festival are sustainability and waste reduction and many elements of the 2025 show and feature gardens will be relocated follwing the event. The Grass Advantage garden – designed by Robert Moore and sponsored by the National Dairy Council Source Bord Bia Every element of the Grass Advantage garden, designed by Robert Moore and sponsored by the National Dairy Council 'will be reused, replanted, or repurposed' after the festival. According to Bord Bia the alder, hazel and field maple trees will be rehomed in a woodland setting in Wicklow while the weathered corrugated steel will return to dairy shed in Stamullen, County Meath. The milk churn structure will be reused as a focal point in a community garden, and the stone walls and stone-pave paving will be reused in a community allotment. Meanwhile the Estate's Essence garden, designed by Patrik Weisser and sponsored by Abbeyleix House and Farm, will be brought back to Abbeyleix House and Farm in County Laois where they will be used to build on the gardens at the estate. Awards As part of the celebrations to mark the final day of the festival two awards were also unveiled today including the People's Choice Award, voted for by visitors who chose their favourite show garden. This year it was awarded to Tulsa's 'Fostering is for You' garden designed by Pip Probert. Meanwhile Bloom garden designers also get a chance to vote on their favourite garden and this year the Designer's Choice Award was presented to Louise Checa who designed the gold medal winning Citroen Downsizers' Garden. Bord Bia has also confirmed today that Bloom 2026 will take place from Thursday, May 28 to Monday, June 1.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow designer creates Bord Bia Bloom garden inspired by ‘How to Train Your Dragon' film
The festival returns for the 19th edition and will take place on a 70-acre site surrounding the visitor centre in Phoenix Park, which will pay host to 21 new and spectacular show gardens. Calary-based designer Tünde Perry is designing two gardens for this year's festival, the first being the Universal Pictures Ireland-sponsored 'How to Train Your Dragon Garden', which reflects the beautiful natural landscapes of Northern Ireland, where this live-action film was made. Tünde has always been passionate about gardening and outdoor spaces. She established her design and landscape business in 2013. Her creations combine practicality, beauty and harmony with innovative solutions, reflecting her artistic awareness of colour and form At the centre of this medium show garden is the beloved character, the dragon Toothless, who is depicted in sculpture. The planting scheme is rich with Irish native plants and creates a woodland scene with Scots pines, silver birches, oaks, native shrubs like guelder roses and elder, plus a tapestry of mosses, ferns, and foxgloves. Speaking about the inspiration behind the garden, Tünde said: 'Universal contacted Bord Bia and provided a brief of what they were looking for. In applied with a concept for design and Universal Studios loved it. I saw the original animated version of the movie and really liked it. It's basically about finding one another and making new friends. 'The Vikings get to learn that dragons aren't their enemies. It's not dissimilar to the bond a young boy has when he first gets a dog and they go on to become friends. 'The brief was to create some of the scenes from the movie which was mainly shot in Northern Ireland. The new movie is due to be released in June and we haven't yet completed the garden, but hope to do so by Sunday. The design is all about showcasing the beautiful Irish landscape and native Irish plants.' Tünde will also be designing 'Manor Farm – 250 Years Taste and Tradition garden' as part of the festival. From Kilmacanogue, Robert Moore will be designing 'The Grass Advantage' garden for the National Dairy Council. Robert Moore has always been passionate about landscape design, architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces. He studied at University College Dublin and Bordeaux University and travelled the world before returning to Ireland in 1998. Robert's mission is to merge 'landscaping and lifestyle', whether in a private or public setting. Green-fingered visitors can also enjoy the petite postcard gardens supported by Tirlán CountryLife. From Enniskerry, St Mary's and St Gerard's National School will be presenting a garden designed and created by 4th class students. This postcard garden is said to embody the school's ethos of caring, connection and the love of learning. ADVERTISEMENT Additionally, a huge wool sculpture made by Bray textile artist Sharon Wells is set to be on display in the Irish Craft Village. Portach Álainn (Beautiful Bogland) is made using Irish grown wool and recycled yarns to create dragonflies, heather, bog cotton and moss More than 100 food and craft drink producers will feature as part of the food offering, including Wicklow-based businesses Miena's Nougat, an award winning nougat company from Donard, and Sugarloaf Beverages, based in Enniskerry. How to Train your Dragon hits Irish cinemas from June 13.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
New ‘How to Train your Dragon' film to have Bloom garden made by Wicklow designer
The festival returns for the 19th edition and will take place on a 70-acre site surrounding the visitor centre in Phoenix Park, which will pay host to 21 new and spectacular show gardens. Calary-based designer Tünde Perry is designing two gardens for this year's festival, the first being the Universal Pictures Ireland-sponsored 'How to Train Your Dragon Garden', which reflects the beautiful natural landscapes of Northern Ireland, where this live-action film was made. Tünde has always been passionate about gardening and outdoor spaces. She established her design and landscape business in 2013. Her creations combine practicality, beauty and harmony with innovative solutions, reflecting her artistic awareness of colour and form At the centre of this medium show garden is the beloved character, the dragon Toothless, who is depicted in sculpture. The planting scheme is rich with Irish native plants and creates a woodland scene with Scots pines, silver birches, oaks, native shrubs like guelder roses and elder, plus a tapestry of mosses, ferns, and foxgloves. Speaking about the inspiration behind the garden, Tünde said: 'Universal contacted Bord Bia and provided a brief of what they were looking for. In applied with a concept for design and Universal Studios loved it. I saw the original animated version of the movie and really liked it. It's basically about finding one another and making new friends. 'The Vikings get to learn that dragons aren't their enemies. It's not dissimilar to the bond a young boy has when he first gets a dog and they go on to become friends. 'The brief was to create some of the scenes from the movie which was mainly shot in Northern Ireland. The new movie is due to be released in June and we haven't yet completed the garden, but hope to do so by Sunday. The design is all about showcasing the beautiful Irish landscape and native Irish plants.' Tünde will also be designing 'Manor Farm – 250 Years Taste and Tradition garden' as part of the festival. From Kilmacanogue, Robert Moore will be designing 'The Grass Advantage' garden for the National Dairy Council. Robert Moore has always been passionate about landscape design, architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces. He studied at University College Dublin and Bordeaux University and travelled the world before returning to Ireland in 1998. Robert's mission is to merge 'landscaping and lifestyle', whether in a private or public setting. Green-fingered visitors can also enjoy the petite postcard gardens supported by Tirlán CountryLife. From Enniskerry, St Mary's and St Gerard's National School will be presenting a garden designed and created by 4th class students. This postcard garden is said to embody the school's ethos of caring, connection and the love of learning. Additionally, a huge wool sculpture made by Bray textile artist Sharon Wells is set to be on display in the Irish Craft Village. Portach Álainn (Beautiful Bogland) is made using Irish grown wool and recycled yarns to create dragonflies, heather, bog cotton and moss More than 100 food and craft drink producers will feature as part of the food offering, including Wicklow-based businesses Miena's Nougat, an award winning nougat company from Donard, and Sugarloaf Beverages, based in Enniskerry. How to Train your Dragon hits Irish cinemas from June 13.
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Agriland
NDC to showcase ‘grass advantage' at Bord Bia Bloom
The National Dairy Council (NDC) is set to return to this year's Bord Bia Bloom, which takes place in Dublin's Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday weekend. The farmer-funded marketing agency will celebrate Irish dairy farming with a host of interactive events, educational talks, and dairy tastings over the five-day event. This is NDC's fourth time at Bord Bia Bloom, with the agency saying the event 'provides an excellent opportunity to promote sustainable dairy production and educate visitors on dairy nutrition'. Bloom This year, NDC will have two areas – the first being a large concept garden, 'The Grass Advantage' designed by Robert Moore. The garden highlights the beauty of Ireland's natural pasture, with its white clover grass mix forming a naturally enriching multi-species sward. At its centre, a five-metre-high milk churn sculpture symbolises the cultural heritage and global reputation of Irish dairy. The garden is inspired by the many initiatives farmers are undertaking to improve biodiversity through sustainable farm management. It is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and constructed with minimum impact on the environment. The planting is representative of Irish dairy pastures and all materials are recycled, and boundary fences and the sculpture are supported by environmentally sensitive, reusable ground screws. NDC In the second area, NDC will host a dedicated schools hub within the main concourse, promoting the Moo Crew Schools programme and dairy nutrition education. The area is designed to look like an actual classroom, with imagery and diagrams promoting 3-5 servings of dairy a day. Visitors to the NDC area will be able to taste premium Irish yogurt, cheese, and milk, while listening to talks on the future of food, bone health, and the benefits of dairy. Dee Laffan, editor of Scoop Food Magazine will be chatting to some of Ireland's best loved chefs. In addition, the All Ireland Jiving champions Niamh Doyle and Conor O'Donnell will take a spin in the NDC garden on Friday and Saturday afternoon. Some of Ireland's top athletes will also be present, including former Irish rugby international Fiona Coghlan, GAA player Vikki Wall, and rower Ross Corrigan to discuss the importance of good nutrition with Dr. Sharon Madigan from Sport Ireland. Farming Children across Ireland were invited to share their visions of the future of farming, and the winning children will be chatting about their dreams for the future at the NDC stand. NDC's farmer ambassadors will also be on hand to chat to the public about sustainable dairy production Some of Ireland's top agri influencers will discuss succession and the future generation of farmers. MEP Nina Carberry will also visit the NDC stand, while three women will share their experiences of marrying dairy farmers and life on the land. Bord Bia Bloom will run from Thursday, May 29 to Monday, June 2 on a 70ac site in Phoenix Park and is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors.
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: a new series that goes inside life-changing therapy sessions
11pm, BBC OneIt is a potentially nauseating concept: a celebrity couple pushing the benefits of having therapy. But Matt and Emma Willis's insightful series, which follows clients before, during and after therapy sessions, is a fascinating watch – and it might just leave you having an 'Aha!' moment or two when applying it to your own thought patterns. First up, a woman keeps having panic attacks, while a man who experienced a stroke feels inadequate. Hollie Richardson 8pm, BBC One The 'Icelandic Jedward' VÆB, Sweden's KAJ and, representing San Marino, DJ Gabry Ponte – the brain behind Blue (AKA the Da Ba Dee song) – are among those battling for inclusion in Saturday's grand final in Basel. Rylan and Scott Mills commentate, with the weight of musical history on their shoulders. Ali Catterall 8.30pm, BBC TwoActing couple Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill have been canny, funny hosts on this wild swimming travelogue, and the last leg of their journey, on the beaches of Mull and Iona, is bracing and beautiful as usual. They are deeply connected, too, to the mental health benefits of clean, natural water, accessible to everyone. Jack Seale 9pm, ITV1There have been plenty of roundups of Trump's turbulent first 100 days in his second term as Potus, and now journalist Robert Moore travels coast to coast to meet people who are directly affected. These include Josh, a member of the far-right Proud Boys group, who was convicted for his role in the Capitol riots but is now leaving jail pardoned. HR 9pm, BBC ThreeAfter Ellie Wilson was raped twice by her then boyfriend Daniel McFarlane, she secretly recorded his confession and he was convicted. She also waived her anonymity to challenge McFarlane's lawyer's line of questioning. This documentary follows Ellie as she campaigns for rape survivors – and is trolled online as a result. HR 9pm, Sky MaxThe tireless Lycett concludes his quest to foster civic links with North American towns that share the name of his birthplace by visiting the biggest of them all: Birmingham, Alabama, former industrial powerhouse and crucible of the civil rights movement. But can he win over the raucous crowd at a local comedy club? It's squeaky Brum time. Graeme Virtue
