Celebrating inclusion, creativity, and accessibility through gardening
St Michael's House are delighted to announce that our Belcamp and Riverside Day Services have been selected to exhibit at the prestigious Bloom Garden Show 2025 in Phoenix Park. Their entry, "Edible and Accessible," is one of just 10 postcard gardens chosen from a highly competitive application process — a testament to the creativity and dedication of everyone involved.
Our Garden: Edible and Accessible
"Edible and Accessible" is a vibrant, small-scale garden that demonstrates practical, inclusive solutions to make gardening more accessible for people with disabilities. It reflects the full cycle of food — from sowing seeds to harvesting produce — with every plant lovingly grown by the service users of Belcamp and Riverside.
The garden shines a light on the barriers individuals with disabilities may face when growing and preparing food, while also offering hands-on solutions. With adaptive tools, sensory-friendly planting, and thoughtful design, it proves that gardening can be an empowering and independent experience for everyone.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Garden
This project has been a true team effort, bringing together the creativity, skill, and passion of the entire St Michael's House community. From the moment the team learned their garden would feature at Bloom, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and purpose.
Service users from both centres worked tirelessly in their gardening groups — carefully choosing seeds, nurturing them in the polytunnel, and watching them grow into the lush, edible plants that now fill the display. Their pride and sense of ownership shine through in every corner of the garden.
A special thank you goes to Emily Moorcroft, our volunteer garden designer, whose talent and dedication were instrumental in turning their vision into reality. We also extend our deepest thanks to our volunteer coordinator Rhoda, Jenny our wonderful art teacher in Belcamp, staff teams from both Belcamp and Riverside and technical services, especially Tony, whose expert woodwork gave structure and character to the garden’s design.
Staff members’ families contributed generously, creating everything from the eye-catching 3D sign to decorative elements like the fisherman’s rope. It truly became a community-wide celebration of what we can achieve together.
A Garden that Speaks to All
With thoughtful touches like accessible tools, raised planters, and Lámh-supported signage (thanks to Mary from SMH Speech & Language Department), "Edible and Accessible" invites every visitor to see the garden not just as a green space — but as a symbol of inclusion, creativity, and possibility.
St Michael's House are incredibly proud of Belcamp and Riverside Day Services organisational representation at Bloom 2025. This garden stands as a reflection of collaboration, empowerment, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to grow, harvest, and enjoy fresh food.
Click here to view photos of Belcamp & Riverside's Edible & Accessible Show Garden