Killucan designer responsible for Bloom 'Willie Wonka' Garden

Tom Leavy from Killucan is behind the design of one of this year's most popular Bloom Show Gardens in the Phoenix Park.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory The Musical Garden, sponsored by Bord Gais Energy Theatre, is described as a "delectable show garden", which plays on elements from the stage musical.

Blending the magnificence of the theatrical world with the natural world, Tom Leavy has created a wonderful visual spectacle inspired by the storytelling of Roald Dahl.

This garden of pure imagination features a pathway to a chocolate river, sculpture, colourful textiles, and bountiful planting, and it promises to captivate young and old alike.

"Central to the design is the introduction of edible and incredible plants inspired by Wonka’s inventions," says Leavy.

"The plants have been chosen specifically to exhibit edible and medicinal uses, showcasing their practicality as well as their natural beauty.

"They inspire visitors to create a holistic landscape of their own while growing nutritional food in a creative and visually appealing way."

Sustainability, wellness, and holistic living are core values throughout Tom Leavy’s life and work. He studied horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens before establishing Leavy Landscaping, a landscape design and construction company that focuses on sustainable landscape design and construction.

Leavy Landscaping has built three medal-winning gardens at Bord Bia Bloom and this is Tom’s second year designing a show garden at the festival. His Beauty & the Beast The Musical Garden, which he co-designed with Cornelia Raftery, won a silver medal last year.

Tom recently opened Red Roots Farm, an education, wellness, and retreat centre, with artist Claire Bracken.

Bloom 2023 takes place between Thursday June 1 and the Monday June 5.