The Bloom project was a highlight of 2023, galvanising staff and young people on Campus and taking the results to a national audience. A total of 18 young people and 10 staff members participated in the Rise Garden project to produce a show garden for Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. The project ran from February to June 2023.

Oberstown’s young people developed valuable life and workplace skills including teamwork, problem solving and creative thinking. They gained hands-on experience in gardening and horticulture and learned about the environmental and sustainability aspects of maintaining a garden.

Beyond the practical skills acquired, creating an exhibit for the show fostered a sense of ownership and a pride among the young people. They witnessed the tangible results of their hard work as the garden took shape, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. The young people’s design ideas for the Rise Garden incorporated elements that reflect the Oberstown ethos and their individual journeys and aspirations, with symbolic plants and features representing growth, diversity and unity. The young people were encouraged to think critically and creatively about their design as a form of public expression.

John Smith, Activities Coordinator, led the project, with Sinead Flynn, Horticultural Programme Coordinator working closely with garden designer Eugene Higgins to put the young people’s ideas into action.

Artist Joe Caslin worked with young people to present images in the garden’s centrepiece Tower of Stories structure. The images represent the journey from a low point of fear and confusion, through Oberstown’s supportive environment to the point where young people are ready to rise into a new, positive life. Italian cypress trees flanking the Tower symbolise grounding and pillars of support. The pool and bench encourage reflection.

The Rise Garden was a significant community engagement project for Oberstown. It showcased the talent of the young people and created many positive connections with local residents, businesses and the wider community. The young people’s work contributed towards their portfolio of achievements under Gaisce – The President’s Award. Oberstown staff worked as volunteers during the show, engaging with the public on behalf of the young people.

RTÉ television featured the Rise Garden in its coverage of the show, and the judges recognised its merits with a Silver Gilt Award in the Medium Concept Garden category. Following the show, DCEDIY facilitated the relocation of Rise back to the Campus, creating rest and reflection areas for staff and young people.

The Dormant Accounts Fund financed the Bloom project as a follow on to its funding of a horticultural space and educational programme on campus.