Bloom in the Park 2010

Well, the torrential rain has arrived today so what better time to upload my photos of Bloom 2010!There are so many pics I will have to do 2 posts so today is not about the flowers and show gardens but all of the other activities and attractions that goes to make it such a success.I was surprised and needless to say delighted to be offered a Media pass by Bord Bia who organize Bloom, because I had blogged about our visit last year!
Apart from the Bloom Bistro where full sit down meals were served, food of all tastes from sandwiches to pizza was on offer all over the site from vendors.Cadbury's had a chocolate fountain giving out freebies needless to say there was a Q!
Holidays at home and abroad were on offer
Barry's Tea, which is synonymous with Cork for generations were giving complimentary teas.
The plant creche was in full swing and nearly full just after noon.
My sister Kathleen who accompanied me talking to the Airfield rep on their eye catching stand.Airfield is a 35 acre estate with working farm,formal gardens,cafe and shop,it is a non profit Charitable Trust set up for educational and recreational purposes.Visit their website if you are thinking of visiting Dublin at any time and they also do various courses.Their stand won a special commendation at the show.
There were different celebrity chefs cooking each day, we were lucky our own Darina Allen was onstage the day we were there.Darina signing copies of her book Forgotten Skills
Darina with assistant Pam onstage
The finished yummy looking dishes, rhubarb compote,almond tarts and rhubarb lemonade,I throw out the excess juice of the rhubarb but not anymore, Darina made rhubarb lemonade with it.Darina's website and recipes are on the Ballymaloe website
There were gardening experts all over the place ready and willing to answer questions and say Hello.Gerry Daly who also has a gardening website.
Dermot O'Neill did a question and answer session and recommended various roses and how to care for them
We spotted Charlie Wilkins from Cork who writes garden columns in our local press and organizes garden tours also.
Children were free into Bloom and were well catered for with activities,this is the big playground
What I would call the organic playground with hay bales and tyres, even the adults were enjoying it.There was a huge sand pit with buckets and spades so there was some serious construction taking place.
Kids engrossed making and doing on one of the many exhibits that encouraged participation.
Another Choc fountain, not free maybe that was why there was no Q?!
The Artisan Food tent had over 40 stalls, all selling home produced cakes, preserves breads and chutneys.
Hickeys of Holycross had a mouthwatering display of cakes and meringues
Bord Bia had their own tent supporting the best of Irish produce in season.Their website has a wealth of information and recipes

Bord Bia attracted a steady crowd all day as lots of information was on hand and a free terracotta pot was on offer with any fresh herb bought!
I will do flowers and show gardens tomorrow.

Comments

Barbarapc said…
What a fun day - lots to do and see for the whole family. Loved the saucy looking tea ladies. I could do with a chocolate fountain right about now. Perfect for after-lunch to get me going back into the garden.
June 7, 2010 at 5:50 PM
Jo said…
What an fun day and interesting post, Peggy. I loved the pretty tea ladies! (Oh I see I've said almost the same as Barbara!) How lovely that you got a free pass and that because of blogging! To answer your question on my post about sandstorms: all our hard work early in April paid off. The flat had minimal dust indoors. we only have a F E W sandstorms per fortnight! Bearable because it is cooler then and the rains should come in about two weeks' time. Have a wonderful day. (((hugs))) Jo
June 7, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Ann said…
Looks like it is a huge event, Peggy, and it all sounds very interesting. What a bit of luck that you got the pass. And the weather was kind too by the looks of it. Looking forward to seeing the blooms write-up.

We are expecting thunder and rain again tonight. My garden is looking better for the rain.
June 7, 2010 at 7:07 PM
Matron said…
What a fun day, and what a great write up! Free chocolate?? I just love the freebies at country shows!
June 7, 2010 at 7:13 PM
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