Children’s Health Foundation Garden of Music and Play – Medium Show Garden
Declan McKenna
Garden Sponsor
About the Garden - Medium Garden
This garden has been created to show how supporters of Children’s Health Foundation bring joy to sick children in Children’s Health Ireland through music and play. It represents the healing power of nature which will provide solace and fresh air for patients, parents, and healthcare staff in the 14 gardens in the new Children’s Hospital.
A chime sculpture provides a musical feature within the garden, while the bubbling water cascading over the pond’s rocks creates movement and sound. A moon gate leads to the central garden where raised beds, a bench hosting an insect hotel, and dance chimes await. Four living wall elements symbolise Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly hospitals.
The central pavilion allows children to rest and view surrounding plants. Deep-planted borders immerse visitors in nature, complemented by large rocks representing treatment milestones and strength. The tactile, natural ambiance contrasts with the clinical hospital environment, providing a sanctuary for all.
About the Designer
Designer Information
Declan McKenna is the in-house designer at Silverstream Landscapes in Monaghan. He studied at the College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise in Greenmount, Co. Antrim where he received a Foundation Degree and Higher National Diploma in Horticulture.
Declan was a finalist in the Horticulturist of the Year 2012 and competed in the 2013 series of RTÉ’s Super Garden. This is his third show garden for Bord Bia Bloom. He previously won silver medals for his Sunwood’s A Contemporary Expression (2015) and the Know, Act, Prevent Garden for the Poisons Information Centre of Ireland (2023).
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