Visit the European Commission garden at Bord Bia Bloom 2026

A must-see for visitors of all ages at this year Bloom is the European Commission’s ‘Shared Roots, Common Shade’ garden, masterfully designed by Oliver & Liat Schurmann.
 
This mini forest is a living metaphor for the European Union’s investment in our common future. Uniting 27 trees – one representing each Member State – the garden symbolises the power of building our future together. 

The trees, some reaching over seven metres, frame a meandering pathway and cast shade over an underlayer of natural planting. Here, visitors can travel through the garden to escape the hustle and bustle of the festival and experience the magical atmosphere of this unified forest.  

To coincide with Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this tree garden invites visitors to reflect on how EU investment nurtures resilience, cooperation, and opportunity in Ireland and across Europe. A wishing tree, next to the garden, provides a place where citizens can share their vision for the future of Ireland and the EU. 

Liat and Oliver Schurmann are passionate about designing Show Gardens for Bord Bia Bloom and the RHS. They have won numerous medals and awards for their cutting-edge designs which are influenced by the continental approach to functional garden design. This is their 14th Show Garden at Bord Bia Bloom.