Andrew Christopher WINS Gold and 'Best in Category' at Bloom 2018

Gold Medal Success at Bloom 2018 for Andrew Christopher Dunne's Sustainable Seafood Garden

McMonagle Stone is delighted to congratulate leading Irish garden designer Andrew Christopher Dunne on winning both a Gold Medal and Best in Category award at Bloom 2018.

With more than 20 years of experience designing award-winning gardens, Andrew once again impressed judges and visitors alike with his innovative and thought-provoking show garden, The Sustainable Seafood Garden.

Inspired by Ireland's Coastal Communities

Drawing inspiration from his home community of Clogherhead, a fishing village on the east coast of Co. Louth, Andrew created a garden that tells the story of Irish seafood from tide to table.

Supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the garden highlighted the transformation of Ireland's fishing industry and showcased how modern sustainable practices are helping to protect marine ecosystems, preserve coastal communities, and secure the future of the sector.

A Garden Designed Around Sustainability

Sustainability was at the heart of the garden's design. Native flowers, ferns, and grasses reflected the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of Ireland's rugged coastline.

The garden featured two contrasting piers—one constructed using traditional reclaimed materials and the other using modern polished concrete—to symbolise the industry's evolution from traditional methods to modern sustainable practices.

A recycled fishing boat was transformed into a demonstration kitchen where professional chefs showcased sustainably sourced Irish seafood. A striking stainless-steel fish sculpture represented organic farmed salmon, one of Ireland's most sustainably produced seafood products and an increasingly important global food source.

McMonagle Stone's Contribution

McMonagle Stone was proud to supply the distinctive Karst Limestone rock formations used throughout the garden. The limestone outcrops were carefully integrated into a wildflower meadow inspired by the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of the west of Ireland.

Natural stone played a key role in creating an authentic and visually striking representation of Ireland's natural environment, helping to bring the garden's sustainability message to life.

Client Testimonial

Each year, Bloom showcases some of Ireland's most creative and inspiring garden designs, many of which feature McMonagle Stone products.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Andrew Christopher Dunne shared the following testimonial:

"Any garden design is only an idea until you assemble the right team around you to bring that vision to life. McMonagle Stone was an integral part of that team on our Bloom garden.

From the early stages of the design process, they guided me in sourcing the highest-quality Irish stone. Finding the perfect stone to satisfy even the most demanding garden designers is one thing, but what impressed me most was how seamlessly they coordinated every aspect of sourcing, logistics, and delivery to Phoenix Park.

I have no doubt that our award-winning garden would not have achieved such success without the support of McMonagle Stone."

Looking for Limestone Rockery or Weathered Stone?

McMonagle Stone supplies a wide range of weathered limestone, rockery stone, and landscape boulders for garden, commercial, and public realm projects throughout Ireland and the UK.

Contact our team today to learn more about the best natural stone solutions for your next landscaping project.