Bloom award for Dundalk gardener

Dundalk gardener Paul Martin has won the inaugural best in show award at Ireland's largest and most ambitious gardening showcase, Bloom 2007.

The award winning garden, Dragonflies and Flutterbies, which won the best large garden category, held off competition from 29 other gardens to take the overall award.

Mr Martin, who has previously won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show and Garden Heaven, said: "The garden features an outdoor limestone fireplace in a setting of smart, outdoor living. . . To win first in show at the inaugural Bloom in the Park is a real honour."

Fiann Ó Nualláin's Resistance is Everything scooped the overall winners prize in the medium-size garden category. He is based in Dublin. Best small garden went to Gerard Mullen from Waterford for his garden, Inner Space, and the engaging spaces award went to the Infinity by Oliver and Liat Schurmann of Dublin

Judging for bloom took place in Dublin's Phoenix Park over several days and the international judging panel were impressed at the high standard of entries. The 30 show gardens displayed contemporary themes such as water features and vegetable patches.

"Having looked at every one of these gardens in detail, I have been struck by the number of creative elements. Designers are really thinking about sustainability, environmental considerations and the origins of the materials they use," Andrew Wilson of the judging panel said.

Friday was also women's day at the bloom festival and 10 finalists were selected from the thousands of women who attended yesterday. The prize, a €5,000 shopping voucher for Dundrum shopping centre, went to Margaret Bohan from Moycullen, Co Galway. Bloom 2007 continues in the Phoenix Park until Monday and up to 50,000 people are expected to attend over the weekend.

As An Bord Bia is the main sponsor of the event, there is a heavy emphasis on food on the site, with restaurants and a food market. There is also a play area for children.

The winners of the awards for best floral and nursery displays will be announced today. There will also be creative workshops and a family fun learning zone at the festival, which runs from 10am until 6pm.