Children's Hospital Show Garden - Bloom 2018

Our Lady's Children's Hospital Show Garden - Bloom 2018

The Our Lady's Children's Hospital Show Garden at Bloom 2018, designed by landscape architect Anthony Ryan of Hayes Ryan Landscape Architecture, is a serene and contemplative space created to offer escape from the pressures of modern life.

Designed as a private sanctuary, the garden reflects a desire for peace, relaxation, and quiet reflection—combining minimalist design with natural materials to create a calming outdoor retreat.

The Brief

Anthony Ryan was tasked with designing a show garden that would serve as a tranquil haven for a client with a busy lifestyle. The space needed to:

• Provide a sense of seclusion and privacy
• Encourage relaxation, reading, and reflection
• Incorporate a clean, simple design aesthetic
• Use natural materials to enhance calm and wellbeing

The concept centred on creating a peaceful environment where the user could unwind, particularly during long summer evenings.

Natural Stone Solution

McMonagle Stone supplied Silver & Gold Donegal Quartzite Walling Stone, which became the defining feature of the garden. This premium natural stone was used to construct a recessed alcove, forming an intimate and sheltered reading space.

The textured quartzite walling introduced warmth, depth, and a tactile quality to the design, while its natural tones complemented the soft planting palette. Paired with a distinctive tilted disc canopy, the stone structure created a unique architectural focal point within the garden.

Product Benefits

• Natural Beauty & Warm Tones - Silver & Gold Donegal Quartzite offers a rich blend of colour and texture, ideal for creating inviting and calming outdoor spaces.
• Durability & Strength - Quartzite is an exceptionally hard-wearing natural stone, making it perfect for structural features such as walling and outdoor seating areas.
• Design Versatility - Its unique character allows it to work seamlessly in both contemporary and traditional garden designs.
• Low Maintenance - A practical choice for long-term use, requiring minimal upkeep while maintaining its visual appeal.

Project Outcome

This thoughtfully designed show garden showcased Anthony Ryan’s expertise in creating emotionally resonant outdoor spaces. As his 24th individual garden at Bloom, the project further demonstrated his ability to blend architectural form with natural materials.

The garden successfully delivered a calm and restorative environment, with the quartzite alcove becoming a standout feature—inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and experience a moment of calm.

McMonagle Stone’s contribution of high-quality Donegal Quartzite played a key role in bringing the design vision to life, highlighting the impact of natural stone in creating timeless and meaningful landscapes.