Northwest Garden Rose, Leeanne Sweeney from Killygordon with Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Frank McBrearty at the gates of the magnificent White House Peace Garden now open for preliminary viewing by visitors to the Northwest Garden Show.
Day one of the Northwest Garden Show saw increased numbers coming through the gates at CPI Complex Castlefinn.
The Show was officially opened to visitors by Sorcha McElchair, Northwest Garden Rose Leeanne Sweeney, Mayor of Donegal Cllr. Frank McBrearty.
With day two kicking off this morning at 11.00am organisers say they are hoping for swift numbers on what is traditionally the busiest day of the Show.
Trash N Fashion Winners with founder Karen Murphy, Karen Murphy School of Speech and Drama.
Fionnuala Gillen, wearing Warrior Princess, (second runner up) from Deela College in Raphoe; Claire McGirr, wearing Media Tech (runner up) from St. Columbas’ College in Stranorlar and winner Eimear McLaughlin from Carndonagh Community School wearing Automaton.
The White House Peace Garden proved extremely popular with one visitor describing it as “an attraction that will be home to many launches, media events, international tourists and even premieres.”
The White House Peace Garden, despite note being complete, showcased the vision of the CPI Committee to create a legacy garden and space, which would draw regular visitors all year round.
Event Director Michael Carlin says they are impressed with the response to the preliminary viewings. “We really wanted to get feedback from visitors on the White House Garden. While it’s not fully complete you get a real sense of the magic of this place.”
‘Automaton’ from Carndonagh scooped the Trash n’ Fashion title.
Conceptualised by Aoife and Éimear McLaughlin the transition year students from Carndonagh Community School created an outfit that would sit very well alongside the a Formula 1 event.
“All of the components which make up this outfit actually came from Éimear’s garage – nuts, bolts, circuit boards, batteries, seat belts, ropes, old mobile phones and even a shower hose,” says Aoife from Malin Head.
Éimear from Malin, says their passion for design and fashion and a newfound love for trash inspired them to get involved. The girls walk away with a cheque for €1,000 for their school; goodie bags and the Trash n Fashion trophy designed by Urney Creations.
In second place was ‘Media Tech’ created by TY students from St. Columba’s College in Stranorlar and modeled by Claire McGirr.
In third place was Fionnuala Gillen a TY student at Deele College in Raphoe with ‘Princess Warrior’.
Founder of Trash n’ Fashion Karen Murphy of Karen Murphy School of Speech, Drama and Communications says she was impressed with the standard of creations this year.
“They just keep getting better and better and to see the confidence and the showcase nurtures their creativity and passion for design. Most notably they get a better understanding for and appreciation of recycling and how you can turn garbage into glam.”
Garden Designer Tim Austen arrives at the Northwest Garden Show today to showcase his garden designs specifically commissioned for Castlefinn.
Meanwhile the results of the various garden challenges will also be announced later this afternoon.
With 130 exhibitors, a kids zone, artisan food marquee, Live Cooking Theatre with Brian McDermott, great food stalls and eateries, entertainment and talks, there is something for everyone at Day two of the Northwest Garden Show.
Gates Open at 11am and the show ends at 6pm.
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