Bord Bia Bloom 26

I Can Create That Garden with Q102

Ireland’s largest festival of gardening, food and sustainable living

The design took a maker-friendly approach, using affordable, readily available materials and straightforward construction techniques. The planting scheme focused on plants that were readily available locally, while practical everyday features included a discreet retractable washing line and efficient tool storage. Environmental considerations were also incorporated through the choice and reuse of materials.

An arrangement of slightly raised walkways led visitors through the garden. The boardwalks and deck were constructed from reclaimed scaffolding boards, which were charred and sealed to create a distinctive and durable finish. Screens were made from inexpensive, readily available roofing battens, while the bespoke furniture was handmade from standard-section timber.

The design could work equally well in a typical new-build suburban garden or as a way of renewing an existing plot. Above all, it intended to show that a successful garden does not have to be complicated or expensive — it simply needs good ideas and a willingness to have a go.

“I can do that!”

Bord Bia Bloom 2026
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Designer: Carleen Osborne
Garden: I can create that garden with Q102
Event: Bord Bia Bloom 2026
Role: Designer / Project manager / Garden Build
Award: Gold
Best small show garden

I was invited to design a show garden designed to inspire new and DIY gardeners, it demonstrated how an attractive, practical garden can be created without specialist skills or an extravagant budget.

As with my other show gardens, my aim was not simply to create something that looked good for a few days at a show. I wanted to demonstrate ideas that could be adapted and used in an ordinary garden, showing that good garden design does not have to be complicated or expensive.

The garden was made possible through sponsorship from Bord Bia and Dublin’s Q102 radio station.

If you want to create it yourself.....

Want to recreate some of the ideas from the garden?

I’ve made the planting list and construction drawings for the bespoke furniture available below. Click the buttons to find out more and see how you can adapt the ideas for your own garden.

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