Residents colourful gardens praised at full bloom awards

GARDENS across Dublin South Central were in full bloom, with a competition taking place to celebrate the beautiful gardens of Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot and Chapelizod last week.

Dublin City Council’s Central Area Office Community Development launched the ‘Bloom in South Central’ photography competition this year, in association with Satsun Camera Club and Ballyfermot Environmental Group.

The annual Bloom Festival, which is usually held in the Phoenix Park was cancelled last year and was held virtually this June bank holiday weekend due to Covid-19 restrictions.

As an alternative, Dublin City Council came up with the idea for local Bloom events in Ballyfermot-Chapelizod and Drimnagh which were a huge success last year.

In 2020, local Ballyfermot woman Marian Cullen took home the top prize, having photos of her ‘pride and joy’ garden displayed at a public photo exhibition.

This year, residents were invited to showcase their gardening skills they perfected during lockdown by submitting photographs of their colourful gardens.

Cherry Orchard woman Lisa Kavanagh and her family scooped the first prize for having the best garden in the area.

Speaking about the event, Ballyfermot councillor Daithí Doolan said: “Well done to Dublin City Council, Satsun Camera Club & Ballyfermot Environmental Group who organised the whole wonderful event. And of course, well done to all the talented gardeners out there.”