Irish Floristry Takes Centre Stage at Bloom 2026
The Institute of Flowers (IOF) will take a leading role at Bloom 2026, using Ireland’s largest horticultural event to spotlight floristry as a skilled profession - and a serious career path.
With over 100,000 visitors expected, the IOF’s showcase is designed to challenge perceptions of the industry, moving beyond aesthetics to highlight the level of expertise, training, and commercial thinking behind modern floristry.
Across two dedicated spaces, the IOF Tent and the Botanical Hub, supported by Tanner’s Foliage, florists will work live throughout the festival, creating everything from everyday bouquets to large-scale installations.
As the gates opened this morning on the 20th anniversary of Bord Bia Bloom, awards were presented to the show gardens. The IOF is delighted to have received a gold medal for Floristry and a bronze medal for our garden, The Minions and Monsters Garden – Benny Magennis, Concept Garden (Monaghan), sponsored by Universal Pictures Ireland.
Visitors won’t just see finished work. They’ll see the process.
A National Industry, On Display
The activation brings together key players from across the supply chain, including Van der Plas (VDP), Marginpar, Porta Nova, Miss Alstroemeria, and Tanner’s Foliage - reflecting the scale and structure of an industry that supports thousands of jobs across Ireland.
More than 10,000 stems will be used across the five days, but the focus is firmly on the people and skills behind them.
Floral Fashion Returns
The IOF’s Floral Fashion competition also returns, with wearable floral designs created by Irish florists and worn by influencers and media throughout the show.
The competition has quickly become one of the most talked-about elements of Bloom, combining technical skill with creative expression in a highly visible way.
A Clear Message: This Is a Career
At the centre of the IOF’s presence is a simple message, floristry is a viable, skilled, and evolving career.
The main installation, “From Seed to Full Bloom: The Future of Floristry in Ireland,” reflects an industry that is growing, professionalising, and becoming more connected through education and collaboration.
Education Driving the Industry Forward
As part of the programme, internationally recognised floral designer Diana Toma, COO of the European Master Certification, will work onsite with Irish florists across the week, delivering training and mentoring in a live environment.
This forms part of the IOF’s wider education programme, supported by Skillnet Ireland and Positive2Work Skillnet, aimed at raising standards and creating long-term career pathways within the industry.
Looking Ahead
Bloom 2026 represents a key moment for Irish floristry, not just to showcase talent, but to attract new people into the industry and position it as a modern, skilled profession.
The IOF’s presence is a clear signal of where the industry is going next.
About the Institute of Flowers (IOF)
The Institute of Flowers is Ireland’s professional body for florists, focused on supporting, developing, and representing the industry through education, community, and professional standards.
