THE KINGDOM BLOOMS AT GARDEN CARNIVAL
BILLY Alexander of Kells Bay House and Gardens has an enviable record when it comes to the renowned Phoenix Park-hosted BloomFestival, but the 2017 edition of Ireland’s largest garden show was particularly memorable, as it saw him scoop a ‘Best in Show’ prize for the very first time.
Billy told The Kerryman that he won either a gold or silver gilt recognition on his previous nine trips to the festival, but he enjoyed a welcome new experience on Thursday when his 20-square-metre garden, which is a small taster of his 17-hectare gardens in Kells Bay, won out over 34 other stands in the category.
“All the plants in my stand were among the large collection of sub-tropical plants you can see in Kells Bay Gardens” he explained. “Between preparing the range of plants and landscaping, it took five days’ work to put it together.
“My stand is unusual in that it’s dominated by ferns as opposed to flowers, and you never come here taking it for granted that you’ll win a silver or gold accreditation. It was delightful to be told my display had won “Best in Show” because I’d never gotten that before.”
Billy’s success wasn’t the Kingdom’s only triumph over the weekend. Killarney native Tricia Harris was awarded a Silver Medal for her show garden ‘A Space to Collaborate’ created with architect Seamus Furlong. She was also keen to acknowledge the hard work of designers, landscapers, contractors, and all the talent from Dublin-based creativity centre Chocolate Factory.
“It was a wonderful feeling to receive a Silver Medal for what was our first Bloom,” she said.
“Our piece represents home and social connections. Seating areas offer a relaxing social space were experiences can be shared and ideas explored.
“Overhead wooden structures represent the fluid nature of the crossover between work and social,” she added.
There was a further Kerry connection with another winner.
Athea’s Kathleen Barrett is a highly-regarded Kerry ETB Horticulture tutor, and she took a hard-earned Silver- Gilt in the Floral Art Competition for her stunningly creative flower hat piece ‘Vision of Beauty’.
Kathleen currently teaches horticulture to community groups at allotments in Tralee’s Deans Lane and Rahoonane. And she also works with groups at the Shannow Family Resource Centre in Abbeydorney and the Listowel Family Resource Centre.