President Mary McAleese has officially opened a garden festival in Dublin that is expected to host at least 50,000 people throughout the June bank holiday weekend.
Hosted by Bord Bia and sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, it is hoped the four-day Bloom 2007 Garden Festival in the Phoenix Park will eventually rival the Chelsea Flower Show.
It is the largest event of its kind an Ireland.
Bloom 2007 features 30 show gardens, where rival designers will battle it out to win gold, silver or bronze awards; 50 floral and planting displays; 70 acres of parkland; and over 100 exhibitors.
"These spectacular show gardens are about firing our imaginations and showcasing the genius of our contemporary gardeners, each of whom has challenged us to think about gardens and gardening in very new and exciting ways," Ms McAleese said at the opening.
The event reflects the growing interest in gardening in Ireland, with almost €1 billion now spent annually on flowers, shrubs and trees.
Bord Bia are using the event to showcase the best of Irish food by hosting a large outdoor food market and a specialty food pavilion beside a picnic area within the site.
The show will also have food markets, health checks, learning zones, live bee demonstrations and more.
There is a preview evening tonight from 4-8pm before the show opens to the public tomorrow, from 10-8pm; Saturday from 10-6pm; Sunday from 10-6pm; and 10-6pm on bank holiday Monday.
Adult tickets cost €15 if purchased in advance and for arrival before noon, €18 for access at any time of the day, and €20 if the tickets are purchased on site. On the same admission basis, family tickets (two adults, two children) are €35, €40 and €45, while prices for under-16s are €7.50, €9 and €10.