About the garden – Large garden
Depicting an idyllic garden nestled within an iconic rural farm setting, The Grass Advantage highlights the beauty of Ireland’s natural pasture with its white clover grass mix forming a naturally enriching multi-species sward. At its centre, a large, five-metre-high milk churn sculpture symbolises the cultural heritage of Irish dairy production and celebrates the grass-based system that is the foundation of Ireland’s world-renowned “Liquid Gold” dairy produce.
The garden is inspired by the many initiatives farmers are undertaking to improve biodiversity through sustainable farm management. It is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and constructed with minimum impact on the environment. The planting is representative of Irish dairy pastures, all materials are recycled, and boundary fences and the sculpture are supported by environmentally sensitive, reusable ground screws.
The garden showcases the ripple effect of Irish dairy’s sustainable farming journey on food quality and nutrition and the impact this has on our environment and our society.
About the Designer
Robert Moore has always been passionate about landscape design, architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces. He studied at University College Dublin and Bordeaux University and travelled the world before returning to Ireland in 1998. Robert’s mission is to merge ‘landscaping and lifestyle’, whether in a private or public setting.
This is Robert’s fifth Bloom show garden. He has won many awards, including a gold medal for the Marie Keating Foundation ‘Catching Cancer Early’ Garden (2023) and two People’s Choice Awards for Memories Are Made of This – Dementia: Understand Together Garden (2019) and Tusla Fostering Garden – ‘Together We Grow’ (2024).
About the Sponsor
The National Dairy Council (NDC) is a farmer-funded representative body that works to promote and protect Ireland’s internationally renowned dairy reputation for excellent products, sustainably produced.
What is planned for this garden after Bloom?
Every element within this garden will be reused, replanted, or repurposed with immediate effect after the festival. The alder, hazel and field maple trees will be rehomed in an inspirational ancient woodland setting in Wicklow which is frequently used for educational discussions on Ireland’s native woodlands and horticulture sustainability.
The weathered corrugated steel will be put back on the side of a dairy shed in Stamullen, County Meath. The milk churn structure will be reused as a focal point in a community garden and will promote discussion around sustainability. The stone walls and stone-pave paving will be reused in a community allotment.
Designer Information
Email: robertmooredesign@gmail.com
