Corten Steel at Bord Bia Bloom 2026

There are certain things that quietly define each year at Bord Bia Bloom 2026. Sometimes it’s a particular planting style. Sometimes it’s a colour palette. Sometimes it’s a feeling.

And walking through the show gardens this weekend, one material kept appearing again and again — Corten steel.

From the moment we arrived into the Phoenix Park, it was impossible not to notice the warm rust-coloured tones weaving their way throughout so many of this year’s gardens. Soft planting spilling around weathered steel edging. Contemporary water features reflecting against rich oxidised surfaces. Sculptural seating areas framed with deep orange-brown metalwork that somehow felt both modern and completely natural at the same time.

It’s a material we’ve loved for many years at Caragh Nurseries, so seeing it used so confidently and creatively throughout Bloom 2026 felt especially exciting.

A Material That Feels At Home in Irish Gardens

What makes Corten steel work so beautifully is its warmth. Modern garden materials can sometimes feel hard or cold, but Corten brings softness and depth, particularly against Irish planting. The rusty patina tones sit effortlessly beside grasses, foxgloves, soft perennials, ferns, and native trees — exactly the kind of naturalistic planting styles we’re seeing more and more of in contemporary garden design.

And unlike trends that come and go quickly, Corten feels timeless.

It settles into a garden gently over time, weathering naturally and becoming more beautiful with age. There’s something wonderfully organic about that process, especially in Ireland where our gardens are constantly shaped by weather and seasons.

The Gardens Where We Noticed It Most

One garden where it immediately caught our attention was the Citroën Family Flexible Garden.

The use of weathered steel within the seating area created such a calm and grounded atmosphere. Surrounded by layered greenery and soft planting, the structure added definition without overpowering the space — a perfect example of how strong architectural materials can still feel relaxed and inviting.

We also noticed Corten appearing throughout several other gardens this year — particularly in water features, shallow reflecting pools, structured edging, raised planters, and contemporary lounging spaces.

One of the lovely things about Bloom is seeing how different designers interpret the same material in completely different ways. In some gardens, Corten felt sleek and architectural. In others, it felt almost rustic and natural, blending quietly into the planting.

Why Homeowners Are Loving It Too

Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more customers looking for Corten steel for their own gardens — and after walking around Bloom this week, it’s very easy to see why.

It works equally well in:

• Contemporary town gardens
• Courtyard spaces
• Larger country gardens
• Minimal planting schemes
• Relaxed cottage-style gardens

And perhaps most importantly, it ages beautifully with very little maintenance.

We often hear customers say they want something that feels modern but still warm and welcoming — and Corten achieves that balance perfectly.

Bringing the Bloom Look Into Your Own Garden

If you’ve been inspired by the gardens at Bloom this week and found yourself stopping beside the beautiful rusted planters and architectural steel details, we have a wonderful collection available online here at Caragh Nurseries.

You can browse our:

• Full Corten Steel Collection
• Corten Steel Pots & Planters

Whether you’re adding a single statement planter to a patio or designing an entire outdoor space, Corten steel is one of those materials that instantly gives a garden structure, warmth, and character.

And judging by Bloom 2026, it’s a look that’s only continuing to grow in popularity.