Bord Bia has announced that Bloom, Ireland’s largest gardening and lifestyle festival, will not take place this year in the Phoenix Park from June 3 to June 7.

Due to the ongoing threat to public safety from Covid-19, the festival will take place virtually in 2021.

On the fifteenth consecutive year of the festival, a programme of initiatives and online events created in partnership with Irish garden designers and long-time festival participants will “bring the joy of Bloom to life in a new and uplifting way”, according to Bord Bia.

‘Gardening has had a positive impact on many people’s mental wellbeing’

Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy said today: “I want to thank all of Bloom’s fans, as well as the hundreds of growers, designers, contractors, exhibitors and sponsors, for their continued support as we plan this year’s festival.

“Bloom would not be possible without their passion and enthusiasm and, while we are very disappointed we can’t gather in the Phoenix Park, the Bloom team is excited to continue to bring the joy and benefits of gardening to the public this summer.

We know that gardening has had a positive impact on many people’s mental and physical wellbeing throughout this difficult period.

“During last year’s Bloom At Home initiative, we saw thousands of both new and experienced gardeners embrace it over the June Bank Holiday.

“We are inviting the public to join us virtually again this year and safely enjoy Bloom from their own homes.”

Bord Bia will again, like last year, partner with RTÉ for an online celebration of gardening across the country, “from country lawns to city balconies”.