When my husband and I first bought our home, there was a tumbleweed in the garden so large, it completely obstructed the view from our kitchen window. In a way, it was a good thing because what lay beyond was a very long garden that was completely overgrown. However, as we battled through thorny brambles and grass as high as our knees, we began to see evidence of a space that was once loved. Branches of beautiful pear and apple trees were starting to heave under the summer’s harvest; large pink hydrangeas sat beside rosemary bushes; and rhubarb leaves were taking shape.

The pieces of the puzzle came together following a chat with a lovely neighbour who grew up on our road. In 1949, Charles and May McGrath moved into the house that we now call home. While we have held the key for nearly six years, it was theirs for nearly six decades. Both were very house proud. We were told that May was one of the first female science graduates from NUI Galway and her scientific mind is evident in our front garden where a meticulously straight line of roses still blooms over a pathway of vibrant purple geraniums. As they got older though, the garden that they had nurtured for years became too big a job and after they passed, nature had taken its course. We’re unsure how many years that took but we do know it was two full summers before my husband cleared it back. Full transparency – the task mostly fell upon his green fingers as I used pregnancy as an excuse.

Life is busy now with two small children. And sometimes, when the bushes aren’t trimmed or the grass is long and dandelions pop up amongst the geraniums, I feel like we’re letting Charles and May down.

My favourite time to visit though is the Monday afternoon. Yes, exhibitors are exhausted after a long five days but there is a really relaxed vibe, a sense of another successful year

However, while we are time-poor at this time in our life, the interest is there and our intentions are good.

So we’ll set off to Bloom once again this year looking for inspiration and advice. The 22 show gardens are always my first port of call but I’ll be looking at them with a whole new perspective after reading Sarah McIntosh’s piece on behind the scenes at Bloom on page 6. Imagine, a crane had to be used to plant the very first garden of the season and for people like Declan McKenna and his team in Silverstream Handcrafted Landscapes, the alarm has been set for 4.30am for weeks as they travel from Monaghan every day to work on five of the show gardens that we will admire this weekend.

Trips to Bloom

When I can, I usually make two trips to Bloom. The first is on the Thursday before the crowds arrive when each garden is pruned to perfection, awaiting the admiration of the 100,000 guests that will arrive through the Phoenix Park gates over the weekend. There is a freshness to the gardens and a palpable excitement amongst the exhibitors. My favourite time to visit though is the Monday afternoon. Yes, exhibitors are exhausted after a long five days but there is a really relaxed vibe, a sense of another successful year. In truth though, I love it because you get absolutely cracking bargains. Exhibitors don’t want to lug all those plants home and the nurseries have them on sale for a song. I’m sure they won’t thank me for that comment but savvy gardeners will. I’ll also be on the hunt for some good feed – May’s roses are in serious need of some care and attention.