The Birdwatcher’s Balcony Garden
Designed by Barry Kavanagh and sponsored by RTÉ Radio 1 and 'Mooney Goes Wild'
RTÉ Radio 1 and 'Mooney Goes Wild'
About the garden - Balcony Show Garden
The Birdwatcher’s Balcony Garden, designed by Barry Kavanagh and sponsored by RTÉ Radio 1 and Mooney Goes Wild
Sponsored by RTÉ Radio 1 and Mooney Goes Wild, The Birdwatchers’ Balcony is a story of intergenerational connections. It celebrates the bond between a teenage girl and her grandfather who share a love of birdwatching.
In this high tech and high nature sanctuary, designer Barry Kavanagh combines the analogue joys of nature with the digital tools used by younger generations to monitor and protect wildlife. The planting scheme, which feels wild, yet managed, contains a selection of bird-friendly plants that provide cover, nesting material, and food sources. Discreet bird-watching technology is complemented by homemade nesting boxes, crafted from repurposed household items.
The central seating area offers a space for the pair to sit together, share knowledge, observe wildlife, and relax while listening to Derek Mooney’s popular radio show, Mooney Goes Wild. This is a garden that offers an oasis for visiting birds, fellow pollinators, and themselves.
About the designer
Designer Information
Barry Kavanagh is a multi-award-winning natural landscape designer, teacher and social entrepreneur.
Barry has won many awards at Bord Bia Bloom, including three gold medals, a Designers’ Choice Award and a People’s Choice Award. This is his sixth Show Garden for Bloom.
About the sponsor
In Mooney Goes Wild on RTÉ Radio 1, presenter Derek Mooney and guests explore the natural world in all its forms. Listen on Mondays, from 10pm-11pm.
What is planned for this garden after Bloom?
Following the festival, elements of this garden will be shared between an existing bird and nature reserve and a primary school in County Cavan. The school children will benefit from the technological component which will allow them to witness nesting birds in real time.
Designer Information
