The European Commission’s show garden, “Shared Roots, Common Shade,” has been awarded a gold medal at the opening of the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Phoenix Park in Dublin.
The garden also won the overall concept award.
Designed by acclaimed duo Oliver and Liat Schurmann, the garden is designed as a living symbol of European cooperation ahead of Ireland taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July.
A Circle of Equality
The garden features 27 trees, representing the 27 member states of the European Union.
Arranged in a circle around a central pool, the layout was designed to ensure that “not one tree has a a preferred space so it’s all a common space of all these trees together,” said Oliver Schurmann.
It symbolises that all members are equal, he added.
Sustainability and Legacy
The European Commission – which sponsored the garden – said it also aligns with Ireland’s national goals to restore biodiversity and expand woodland cover.
“This award honours Ireland’s membership of the European Union by recognising the value of working together with our neighbours to shape our common future, security and wellbeing,” said Peter Power, Head of the European Commission’s Ireland office in Dublin.
“Our garden, with its 27 trees, reflects the European budget’s long-term investment in our common prosperity.”
For the Schurmanns, this victory marks their 14th show garden at Bloom, following a “triple gold” win in 2024.
“We are absolutely delighted that our work has found such recognition,” Oliver and Liat Schurmann said.
The Power of Together
The garden is a central pillar of the European Commission’s “Europe: The Power of Together” storytelling campaign.
The EU wants to encourage Irish citizens and businesses to reflect on “what European membership has meant to their work and lives.”
Bord Bia Bloom runs until 1 June. More than 250,000 visitors are expected to walk the garden’s pathways.
Once the festival is over, the European Commission said the “Shared Roots” garden will be saved and carefully moved to a permanent location.
“After Bloom, the garden will be rehoused, where it can continue to grow and flourish, leaving a legacy for the people of Ireland long after the Presidency,” the European Commission promised.