The garden is a celebration of the intertwined lives of staff, children in need of support, and foster carers, including their extended families – a true community of people from all backgrounds. It is a place where everyone comes together to enjoy and celebrate the good times in life.

This garden is designed for children of various ages and backgrounds, demonstrating the richness of embracing differences. It offers an immersive experience that educates, inspires, and celebrates the fostering community. Most importantly, it is a heartfelt celebration of the connections made throughout the fostering process.

The garden’s main route is loosely based on the Tusla Fostering logo, with its colours mirroring those used in Tusla’s promotional advertising. The planting is full of colour, reflecting a mixed colour scheme that highlights the fact that anyone is welcome to become a foster carer.

The garden features two routes: one slightly uneven path with a tapestry lawn, symbolizing the turbulent start many children face, and the tapestry lawn also emphasizes the diverse backgrounds of the children. The alternative route is designed for teenagers, providing a modern space with bold focal points where they can talk to others in similar situations.

The main path, resembling the Tusla logo, can be seen as arms of support embracing all community members. The central space serves as a meeting place for the community to come together and celebrate, with built-in benches, colourful bean bags, and a central table that gives the impression of a family picnic party. Bunting on the large pergola structure overhead adds to the celebration vibes.

At the back of the garden is the “Safe Haven” play area, where children can play, explore, or sit quietly and chat with friends. This area offers plenty of interactive play structures and cozy corners to keep the children occupied, helping them create connections from a young age.

Tusla Fostering is dedicated to providing safe and loving homes for children who cannot live with their own families. Tusla foster carers come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique experiences that make a real difference in a child’s life. Whether you work full-time, are single, married, or have your own children, your journey and qualities are invaluable in offering stability and support to a child in need.

Tusla offers various types of foster care, including emergency, short-term, long-term, and respite care, to cater to the unique needs of each child. Foster carers receive comprehensive support, including regular home visits, training programs, and access to social workers and public health nurses. This support system ensures that foster carers feel confident and capable in their role, enabling them to provide the best possible care for the children they look after.

The garden features coloured resin edges that mimic the colours used throughout the logos and website, defining various areas. Contemporary loungers provide a comfortable space for teenagers, while a graffiti wall, matching the colour scheme, adds an artistic touch. A bespoke sculpture with intertwining ribbons represents the community coming together.

The “Safe Haven” area includes two pergola structures surrounded by interactive play elements. One pergola serves as a cosy corner, while the other incorporates blackboards and musical instruments. Both pergolas have coloured Perspex roofs, creating vibrant, sheltered spaces. The natural play area features wooden mushroom balance stepping stones, worm-shaped hurdles, an underground tunnel, a wobbly bridge, and a willow wigwam.

The vibrant planting scheme highlights the richness of embracing differences, with bright and luxurious colours. Various materials used throughout the garden emphasize the diversity of carers. Seating options include colourful bean bags, cushions, and pots that mimic the colour scheme. The tapestry lawn is a low-growing selection of plants creating a lawn-like effect.

The central pavilion is a circular pergola covering the main area, with the option to add bunting for a party effect. Signage options include fitting signs to raised planters, the outer circle, or within the planting. The raised planters could also be used to highlight colour if desired.

Bord Bia Bloom is an annual garden festival held in Phoenix Park, Dublin. It is a celebration of the best in local and international horticulture. The event features 21 show gardens, each with unique themes and designs. Gardening enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy a diverse lineup of expert talks, interactive workshops, and live entertainment.

The festival offers something for everyone, with a vibrant mix of activities and experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore the Nursery Village, where they can find rare and quality plants for purchase, and the Garden Stage, which hosts 40 horticultural talks. There are also plenty of food and drink options, making it a perfect day out for families and gardening enthusiasts alike. Come and discover the beauty and creativity of Bord Bia Bloom!

Early-bird Tickets (€25) are available until 30 March and are on sale via their website. Two children (aged 16 and under) go free with each adult ticket purchased. A family early bird ticket is also available, priced at €45 for two adults and up to four children.