Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I wish to highlight the significant win yesterday at the Chelsea Flower Show by one of our greatest Irish horticulturalists who exhibited a microcosm of Kells Bay in the beautiful county of Kerry. The display took a gold medal, which is very prestigious. It was a massive undertaking. It meant the shipment of many ferns that grow in that most beautiful part of the world overlooking the Dingle Peninsula. The Cathaoirleach knows it well, as do others here. Our participants at London's Chelsea Flower Show are hopping with excitement. This morning they are looking at an award from this most prestigious horticultural event. Of course, it has gone to Billy Alexander from Kells Bay Gardens. It is a fantastic achievement. In those gardens can be seen the famous Dicksonia antarctica ferns and all the Irish ferns he grows there. Mr. Alexander is a great advocate for Irish horticulture and garden design. I strongly recommend that people visit Kells Bay. The gardens are open, and they are wonderful.

That leads me next into giving a plug for Bloom, which starts next Thursday, 29 May. It is our equivalent of the Chelsea Flower Show. Bloom is fast coming up to that pace and standard, and I wish the event well. Tickets are currently on sale at www.bordbiabloom.com.