When it comes to the world of gardening festivals, the fate of show gardens often remains a mystery. But today, we're delving into the intriguing story of what happens to these extravagant displays once the festival gates close.
The Evolution of Show Gardens
Show gardens are a unique blend of art and science, designed to captivate and educate. However, their ephemeral nature raises an important question: what becomes of these beautiful creations after the festival buzz dies down?
One notable example is the Evolution of Land Plants garden, which found a new lease of life at University College Dublin (UCD). This garden, initially created as an outdoor classroom, showcases the fascinating journey of plants from water to land. Its success at Bloom led to improved student engagement and grades, proving the power of hands-on learning.
Repurposing with Purpose
In recent years, there's been a growing trend of finding new homes for show gardens. Garden designers are now embracing sustainability and cost-cutting measures by planning for repurposing from the get-go.
Kerrie Gardiner, the manager of show gardens at Bloom, highlights this shift: "Historically, only the 'nice' bits were reused, but now designers are thinking about repurposing from the beginning."
This approach has led to innovative solutions. Some designers reuse trees stored in nurseries, while others donate elements to charities. The Marie Keating Foundation, for instance, has been donating components of its show gardens to cancer support centres, creating healing spaces for patients.
The Benefits of Reuse
The reuse of show gardens offers a range of advantages. For one, it reduces the costs associated with planting, as many of the elements are already established. Additionally, these gardens can become valuable assets for communities, providing spaces for engagement, reflection, and even food production, as seen with Fingal County Council's community gardens.
Sarah Cotterill, winner of the Cultivating Talent initiative at Bloom, shares her experience: "My garden, Into the Forest, found a new home in a sensory park in Ballina, Co Mayo. It's a beautiful addition to the town, and the reuse reduced the costs of planting."
Logistical Challenges and Community Engagement
While the concept of repurposing show gardens is inspiring, it's not without its challenges. Logistically, moving and replanting these gardens requires careful planning and the support of volunteers. Designers must consider factors like the garden's new location, the ability to handle large trees, and the availability of volunteer caretakers.
Fingal County Council's senior parks and landscape officer, Kevin Halpenny, emphasizes the importance of good planning: "We design everything to be repurposed and source salvaged materials. Our show gardens are a way to demonstrate good practice and promote the health benefits of green spaces."
A Sustainable Future for Show Gardens
The trend of finding new homes for show gardens is a step towards a more sustainable and community-focused approach to gardening festivals. It allows for the continued enjoyment and educational value of these gardens, while also reducing waste and promoting the importance of green spaces.
In my opinion, this shift towards repurposing is a win-win situation. It showcases the creativity and responsibility of garden designers, while also providing long-lasting benefits to communities. What many people don't realize is that these show gardens have the potential to inspire and educate for years to come, long after the festival spotlight fades.
So, the next time you attend a gardening festival, take a moment to consider the future of those beautiful displays. It's a fascinating journey from festival centerpiece to community asset, and one that deserves our attention and appreciation.
