From a Lego garden to a paint colour called Fairy Fort

The sky’s the limit to ideas for the green-fingered and the green-minded at Bord Bia Bloom 2025.

Talking about this year’s designs, judge Andrew Wilson said: “Visitors to Bloom will have a ball visiting the show gardens and are guaranteed to get some great ideas to take home.” We can see why. 

The Rainbow Brick Balcony Garden, designed by Gary Kirwan and sponsored by Brick Shows Ireland. Picture: Fennell

The overall concept garden winner was The Rainbow Brick Balcony Garden, designed by Limerick artist Gary Kirwan, as a tribute to Lego. Playful and unique, this garden is constructed from over 800,000 pieces over eight weeks.

James Purdy in his Large Show Garden-winning design.

Eight gold medals were awarded to show garden designers at the Bord Bia festival. The overall large garden category award went to the Repak Most Sorted Garden, by James Purdy and the medium garden category award was presented to The European Commission’s ‘Renewed Blooms’ Garden, designed by David Negus. All 21 show gardens are designed with sustainability in mind.

The small garden winner, The Pot Gallery Garden, designed by Alan Rudden, demonstrates how freestanding and vertical pots can create green spaces on terraces, roofs or balconies. See Bordbiabloom.

Singout stripes

Stripes stride centre stage this summer with Colourtrend’s playful twist on a timeless classic. The interiors stories behind each were “inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of an Irish summer”. One particular shade — and its name — is beguiling. See how Fairy Fort is used on the skirting board and door frames in this farmhouse-style hallway setup, contrasting with Roux White. 

Colourtrend’s Fairy Fort and Roux White.

Maybe I’m drawn to it because my childhood home was just downhill from a fairy fort….

In any case, this colour creates an entrance (portal — why not go full-on Darby O’Gill and the Little People?) that balances rustic and modern.

See, where stripes really sing is when adding structure and visual rhythm to any zone. 

Talking of zones — and music —  anyone for a  Twilight Zone theme tune remix with Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ from the Netflix cult classic  Stranger Things? Anyone?

Daddy cool

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift for the special man in your life doesn’t have to be a daunting task, according to Woodie’s. If your father figure takes pride in lush lawns or relishes doing DIY jobs (or simply “kicking the tyres” of toolkits), there’s plenty of choice. 

Stanley Fatmax open tote toolbag, Woodie’s.

We’re taken by the Stanley Fatmax 18-inch open-tote tool bag, down to €39.99, and previously priced at €48.99. See Woodies.

Pot luck

This warm-toned planter with ornate details is made from high-quality terracotta, and we’re a little obsessed. It’s a timeless piece that adds a cosy vibe. 

Oriana B’s oval porcelain planter, €89.

The planter is also a good pick for the cook in your life as it’s ideal for herbs — pop on a kitchen windowsill or anywhere sunny, and it instantly brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to your home. This plant pot is intended for internal use. It’s €89, see Orianab.

Ready for their close-up

They’ve been putting faces and places in the picture for a quarter of a century and continue to dazzle with their visual flair. So, we’re excited here at Home to learn that East Cork Camera Group will be showcasing a stunning collection of images this summer for its landmark 25th anniversary exhibition at My Place, Mill Road, Midleton, from June 6 to June 25.

From left, clockwise, photographs by Anthony O’Connor, Maria Murray and Michael Hickey.

The not-to-be-missed display will be launched at the venue on June 6, 7pm-9pm. The club provides a platform for photographers of all levels, from novice to professional, to come together to share their knowledge and improve their skills. 

Clockwise from left, photos by Kevin Day, Grainne Davies and Jim O’Neill.

Members of the club have access to workshops, competitions, guest speakers and photography outings; see Eastcorkcameragroup.ie.

Space age

A neutral base including limewashed plaster walls and light wooden furniture complements a bold and abstract palette of oranges and greens. The soft undertones of Havwoods’ Douglas Fir Snow Select 300mm one-strip boards sit perfectly against the earthy tones, introducing light and a sense of space. 

Havwoods flooring.

The wide planks (so trendy), span the length of the property, allowing for a seamless flow from the living room into the kitchen. Price on application; see Havwoods.