The Healthy Way has been created to reflect a dual vision that Ireland is a place where people can be inspired and feel empowered by their natural surroundings to improve their health and wellbeing.
The garden represents a public space that links healthy eating, healthy movement and wellbeing through a series of seasonal planted areas and water, spread throughout a mixed perennial environment and mature woodland setting.
The woodland was chosen as the main backdrop as trees offer a language of vitality and health, by providing fresh clean air while also sustaining a wide range of natural ecosystems important for sustainable food production. The water represents movement and hydration, important for life, as well as a quiet space for reflection.
The carving of functional spaces under the trees relays a naturalistic and nourishing planting style derived from plants, which have either an edible or beneficial use, with their arrangement chosen to create a relaxing milieu to the functional spaces.
JAMES PURDY
James Purdy is an award-winning garden designer and chartered architect. Based in Belfast, he works closely with other skilled professionals to create exciting and meaningful projects that reconnect people with their environment.
Each project requires a personal approach and investigation into the needs of the client and the nature of the environment they live in. Through this dialogue, projects are created that encourage people to use their home, garden or outdoor space in a more practical, effective and meaningful way.
James struck gold at his first appearance in Bloom 2016, winning a Gold Medal, Best in Category Award and Best Planting Award for his Podscape Garden.
