Floral extravaganza on the cards at Galway Garden Festival in Claregalway Castle

A spectacular display of floral art will see flowers and foliage used in creative ways to interpret a wide range of themes, including contemporary arrangements, summer table displays, and seascapes.

There will be a number of categories, including Decorative, Horticultural, Floral Photography and a Children's competition. The organisers are keen to stress that exhibits from non-club members are also welcome. Prizes will be awarded in all categories, as well as a special 'Best in Show' award and 'Rose of the Show' prize.

“We are delighted to be part of the Galway Garden Festival at Claregalway Castle”, said Marion Colohan, President of the Galway Flower and Garden Club. “

We had a wonderful response from the public at last year's festival and we decided to stage our Summer Show there this year. Creating an arrangement from fresh flowers from your garden, or even a bunch from the supermarket, can enhance any room, table or alcove and be fun to do.

“Even the kids can get involved. We have included a Children's competition this year, titled 'Flowers in my Favourite Mug', where children can use their imagination to create something funky and have fun doing it”.

The Floral Photography section will appeal to those with a keen eye for colour, composition and an attractive floral image. There's both an Adult ('Beauty in Bloom') and a Children's category ('My Favourite Insect') in this section, which is restricted to amateur photographers.

The Horticulture Section is also open to amateurs only and all exhibits in this section must have been grown by the competitor. The exhibits in this category include cut flowers, pot plants, and mixed vegetables.

A special attraction of the Flower Show will be a demonstration by Galway-based florist and expert flower arranger, Samantha Foran. This will take place in the Flower Show Marquee at 2pm on Sunday, July 7.

The Flower Show is open to the public from 2.15pm to 5pm on Saturday week and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday week, July 7.

You will find further information and full details of the Galway Flower and Garden Club Summer Flower Show programme of competitions and events on the club’ s Facebook or Instagram:page.

Pictured: Flashback...Your Man's Puppets performance during the Galway Garden Festival at Claregalway Castle last summer.