This vibrant yellow and orange garden has been created to raise awareness of the fact that skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in Ireland and the importance of being SunSmart. Using trees and canopies for shade, along with umbrellas, hats and sunscreen, volunteers will be asking visitors to protect themselves in the sun. The garden’s meandering path and planting reflect the cancer journey, which includes a tranquillity corner where cancer patients can take time out during their treatment. A large balloon sun has been added to draw attention to the garden and the pervasive nature of UV rays, even on cloudy days. It floats high above a large oak tree which represents the end of the cancer journey and offers shade from the sun and an opportunity for visitors to ‘Tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree’ to show their support for those affected by skin cancer.
Peter Cowell & Monty Richardson (The Hairy Gardeners)
Peter Cowell has been designing gardens since 2008 as Peter Cowell Garden Design and Living Gardens. Along with business partner Monty Richardson, the two are now known as the Hairy Gardeners, a moniker they acquired thanks to their hairy beards. This is their first Bloom show garden.
A fully qualified garden builder with more than 18 years’ experience, Peter has taken part in various shows and competitions, most recently winning Gold, Designer’s Favourite and Judges’ Favourite Garden at the 2017 BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Ever since he was a child Peter has always had a love for the outdoors and a keen interest in gardening and all things plants, a passion that led him to study for a diploma in landscaping at Myerscough College, followed by a degree in garden design at the University of Central Lancashire. (View Profile)
