WICKLOW GARDENS FESTIVAL 2008 NOW ‘IN BLOOM’

Wicklow gardening expert Gerry Daly launches the 2008 Wicklow Gardens Festival at Festina Lente Garden, Bray

Issued 01 May 2008

The 2008 Wicklow Gardens Festival was officially opened the Garden County on Thursday, 1st May by renowned gardening expert and editor of ‘The Irish Garden’ magazine Gerry Daly and the glamorous 2007 Wicklow Rose, Lisa Marie Berry. The sun shone on the beautiful walled garden of Festina Lente Garden in Bray, where the event took place at midday.

The launch marks the beginning of the three month Festival, which runs from 1st May to 30th September. The 2008 programme features thirty-two beautiful and unique private gardens in Counties Wicklow, Dublin, Carlow and Wexford.

Chairman of Wicklow County Tourism Cllr. Tom Fortune welcomed guests to the launch and said that visitors to the participating gardens have a ‘treat in store’, with thirty-two gardens to visit, each with a different theme, such as Robinsonian, Formal, Victorian and Modern.

Cllr. Fortune thanked the staff at Festina Lente Garden for their generosity and for hosting the event, in particular CEO Jill Carey and Garden Manager Ann Gleeson. Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council Brid Collins also attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Gerry Daly encouraged the public to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to see some of the finest gardens that Co. Wicklow has to offer.

Brochures for the 2008 Wicklow Gardens Festival are available at tourist offices around the county. Visitors can also obtain a copy from participating gardens or by contacting Wicklow County Tourism on 0404 20070.