Ireland is currently gearing itself up for Bloom 2007, described by organisers as the ‘biggest and most spectacular’ gardening event ever to be held in the country.

The event, which is being organised by horticultural promotional body Bord Bia, will see over 50,000 gardening enthusiasts making their way to the 70-acre Phoenix Park Visitor Centre site over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Bord Bia also plans to use the event to showcase the best of Irish food by holding a large scale food market and a speciality food pavilion.

Agriculture and food minister Mary Coughlan said she believed the predicted popularity of the inaugural event reflect a resurgent interest in Ireland in gardening and outdoor living. “The gardening market has grown by over 70 percent in the past four years to a value of almost €1 billion and with so many Irish people now owning their own homes, Bloom 2007 is a unique opportunity for people to discover new ideas and possibilities for their "outdoor room", in a fun and family-orientated environment,” she stressed.

The event has attracted a number of high profile sponsors, including Keelings, Tesco, Pfizer and Failte Ireland.

Attractions on offer at Bloom 2007 will include 20 show gardens, a speciality arts and craft centre, sculpture exhibition, retail area, indoor and outdoor displays, a family ‘fun learning zone’ and a spectacular nursery and floral display.

Speaking at last month’s launch event, Bord Bia chairman Angela Kennedy said: “This gardening extravaganza will be on a par with other renowned UK shows, bringing together the best of Irish and international landscape gardeners; designers; horticultural producers; artisan crafts and food. Anyone with an interest in flowers; gardening; fine food or just outdoor life in general, will truly enjoy this event".

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